Checkpointshttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/Sat, 22 Jul 2017 10:55:31 +0000en-USSite-Server v6.0.0-12666-12666 (http://www.squarespace.com)Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames. The people who make them and the people who play them. Each week, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!
Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk
Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikiThis is a show about videogames, The people who play them and the people who make them. Each week, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!nodeclan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyGames & Hobbies/Video Gamesdeclan.dineen@gmail.comDeclan Dineendeclan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyEpisode 109 - Erica 'aurahack' Lahaiedeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 11 Dec 2017 01:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/sn0gMLwHVw4/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62-58nhd-zex9e-r2pz9-7xztw-zk9db-wnxa7-j9mba-xr5xx-je849-nmgan-y75cn-rwapt50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:5a2d181a419202de2e9c584b<img class="thumb-image" alt="checkpoints final SNES v2g 2048.png" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5a2d23d0e4966be66fb8cec2/1512907731904/checkpoints+final+SNES+v2g+2048.png" data-image-dimensions="2048x2048" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a2d23d0e4966be66fb8cec2" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5a2d23d0e4966be66fb8cec2/1512907731904/checkpoints+final+SNES+v2g+2048.png?format=1000w" />
<p>This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections &amp; games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!</p><p>My guest today is <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/aurahack">Erica Lahaie</a>, a designer, illustrator and concept artist based out of Montreal. I'm a particular fan of the incredible work on Shrouded Isle but all of her art is amazing. Also she has the best <a target="_blank" href="http://tightenupthe.graphics/">URLs</a>.</p><p>We go deep on our mutual love of the Tony Hawks Pro Skater series, talk about the mythical PS2 modem and her SOCOM 2 adventures, how she got her first break posting in the Giant Bomb forums and why we both think that rhythm action is probably the best video game genre.</p><p><em>"<span>Gleam the cube buddy, yeah!"</span></em></p><p>PATREON - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.patreon.com/checkpoints">patreon.com/checkpoints</a></p><p>iTunes <a target="_blank" href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/checkpoints-declan-dineen/id961200224">HERE</a> -&nbsp; SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW</p><p>Games discussed: Zillion, Crash Team Racing, Tony Hawks Pro Skater Series, SOCOM 2, Amplitude, Rez, Modern Warfare 2, Need for Speed Underground, World of Warcraft, DOTA2, Bloodborne, Mass Effect, Gone Home, Parasite Eve</p><p>Theme song by <a target="_blank" href="https://soundcloud.com/furoshiki/">Samuel Baker</a></p><p>Art work by <a target="_blank" href="http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk/">Craig Stevenson</a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~4/sn0gMLwHVw4" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!My guest today is Erica Lahaie, a designer, illustrator and concept artist based out of Montreal. I'm a particular fan of the incredible work on Shrouded Isle but all of her art is amazing. Also she has the best URLs.
We go deep on our mutual love of the Tony Hawks Pro Skater series, talk about the mythical PS2 modem and her SOCOM 2 adventures, how she got her first break posting in the Giant Bomb forums and why we both think that rhythm action is probably the best video game genre.
"Gleam the cube buddy, yeah!"
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: Zillion, Crash Team Racing, Tony Hawks Pro Skater Series, SOCOM 2, Amplitude, Rez, Modern Warfare 2, Need for Speed Underground, World of Warcraft, DOTA2, Bloodborne, Mass Effect, Gone Home, Parasite Eve
Theme song by Samuel Baker
Art work by no109Episode 109 - Erica 'aurahack' Lahaiefulldeclan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62-58nhd-zex9e-r2pz9-7xztw-zk9db-wnxa7-j9mba-xr5xx-je849-nmgan-y75cn-rwapthttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5a2d2c808165f5d2741f54fb/1512910246646/Episode+109+-+Erica+Lahaie.mp3Episode 108 - Clint 'halfcoordinated' Lexadeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 04 Dec 2017 01:03:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/c9yFzUS-MW8/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62-58nhd-zex9e-r2pz9-7xztw-zk9db-wnxa7-j9mba-xr5xx-je849-nmgan-y75cn50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:5a207229f9619acc4f446f55<img class="thumb-image" alt="checkpoints final SNES v2g 2048.png" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5a2079819140b77b548a9cfb/1512904730510/checkpoints+final+SNES+v2g+2048.png" data-image-dimensions="2048x2048" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a2079819140b77b548a9cfb" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5a2079819140b77b548a9cfb/1512904730510/checkpoints+final+SNES+v2g+2048.png?format=1000w" />
<p>This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections &amp; games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!</p><p>My guest today is <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/halfcoordinated">Clint 'halfcoordinated' Lexa. </a>Despite being born with a condition known as hemiparesis which limits the use of one side of his body, Clint has become a beloved and incredible speedrunner, with his one handed runs of intense action games like Vanquish and Nier being among the highlights of <a target="_blank" href="https://gamesdonequick.com/">GamesDoneQuick</a> these past few years. His experience in overcoming accessibility issues has also led to him becoming an advocate for better accessibility in games. He is also just the best guy.</p><p>We talk about how god modes in games meant he was never put off, how he got hooked on the frenzied brilliance of Gunstar Heroes, playing competitive Smash Bros, the thrill of mastering a video game, how he develops his speed run strategies, whether or not you write a script for a marathon, his Matrix like understanding of the AI in Castle Crashers, and why he'll never speed run Mario Odyssey.</p><p><em>"<span>I'm not going to say anyone can do anything, but i will say your limits are way further out than you think they are."</span></em></p><p>PATREON - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.patreon.com/checkpoints">patreon.com/checkpoints</a></p><p>iTunes <a target="_blank" href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/checkpoints-declan-dineen/id961200224">HERE</a> -&nbsp; SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW</p><p>Games discussed: Gunstar Heroes, Super Mario, Super Smash Brothers, RAGE, Duke Nukem, Commander Keen, Jackal, Ninja Gaiden, Castle Crashers, Super Mario Odyssey, Mad World, Momodora 4, Vanquish, Robotic Alchemic Drive,</p><p>Theme song by <a target="_blank" href="https://soundcloud.com/furoshiki/">Samuel Baker</a></p><p>Art work by <a target="_blank" href="http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk/">Craig Stevenson</a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~4/c9yFzUS-MW8" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!My guest today is Clint 'halfcoordinated' Lexa. Clint is a beloved and incredible speed runner and a common highlight of GamesDoneQuick. Despite being born with a condition known as hemiparesis which limits the use of one side of his body, Clint has become a beloved and incredible speedrunner, with his one handed runs of intense action games like Vanquish and Nier being among the highlights of GamesDoneQuick these past few years. His experience in overcoming accessibility issues has also led to him becoming an advocate for better accessibility in games. He is also just the best guy.
We talk about how god modes in games meant he was never put off, how he got hooked on the frenzied brilliance of Gunstar Heroes, playing competitive Smash Bros, the thrill of mastering a video game, how he develops his speed run strategies, whether or not you write a script for a marathon, his Matrix like understanding of the AI in Castle Crashers, and why he'll never speed run Mario Odyssey.
"I'm not going to say anyone can do anything, but i will say your limits are way further out than you think they are."
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: Gunstar Heroes, Super Mario, Super Smash Brothers, RAGE, Duke Nukem, Commander Keen, Jackal, Ninja Gaiden, Castle Crashers, Super Mario Odyssey, Mad World, Momodora 4, Vanquish, Robotic Alchemic Drive,
Theme song by Samuel Baker
Art work by Craig Stevensonno01:30:50108108 - Clint 'halfcoordinated' Lexafulldeclan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62-58nhd-zex9e-r2pz9-7xztw-zk9db-wnxa7-j9mba-xr5xx-je849-nmgan-y75cnhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5a207a5324a694eb0d0af588/1512904730513/Episode+108+-+Clint+%27Halfcoordinated%27+Lexa.mp3Episode 107 - Jennifer Scheurledeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 27 Nov 2017 01:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/wUCzThKRaeQ/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62-58nhd-zex9e-r2pz9-7xztw-zk9db-wnxa7-j9mba-xr5xx-je849-nmgan50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:5a18a440f9619afa6a076117<img class="thumb-image" alt="checkpoints final SNES v2g 2048.png" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5a1ada65ec212d9bd3f80706/1512075817677/checkpoints+final+SNES+v2g+2048.png" data-image-dimensions="2048x2048" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a1ada65ec212d9bd3f80706" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5a1ada65ec212d9bd3f80706/1512075817677/checkpoints+final+SNES+v2g+2048.png?format=1000w" />
<p>This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections &amp; games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!</p><p>My guest today is <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Gaohmee">Jennifer Scheurle,</a> the game design lead at <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/OPXSpace">Opaque</a> Space currently working in collaboration with NASA on the VR game Earthlight. The team recently won studio of the year and game of the year at the Austrailian Game Developer Awards.</p><p>We talk about how cool it is to work with NASA, her childhood playing games in Germany and why PCs rule, how a particularly harrowing experience with a bear in the original Tomb Raider turned her off games for years, how she might need an intervention to save her from Love Nicky why she moved to Austrailia to make games, and her deep love for Shadow of the Colossus. &nbsp;</p><p><em>"<span>You think you're scared now? Wait till your parents get the bill for breaking Daedalus."</span></em></p><p>PATREON - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.patreon.com/checkpoints">patreon.com/checkpoints</a></p><p>iTunes <a target="_blank" href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/checkpoints-declan-dineen/id961200224">HERE</a> -&nbsp; SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW</p><p>Games discussed: Tomb Raider, The Clue, 7 Days to Die, Counter Strike, Shovel Knight, The Secret of Monkey Island, Love Nicky, World of Warcraft, To the Moon, The Beginners Guide, Shadow of the Colosuss, Portal</p><p>Theme song by <a target="_blank" href="https://soundcloud.com/furoshiki/">Samuel Baker</a></p><p>Art work by <a target="_blank" href="http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk/">Craig Stevenson</a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~4/wUCzThKRaeQ" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!My guest today is Jennifer Scheurle, the game design lead at Opaque Space currently working in collaboration with NASA on the VR game Earthlight. The team recently won studio of the year and game of the year at the Austrailian Game Developer Awards.
We talk about how cool it is to work with NASA, her childhood playing games in Germany and why PCs rule, how a particularly harrowing experience with a bear in the original Tomb Raider turned her off games for years, how she might need an intervention to save her from Love Nicky why she moved to Austrailia to make games, and her deep love for Shadow of the Colossus.
"You think you're scared now? Wait till your parents get the bill for breaking Daedalus."
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: Tomb Raider, The Clue, 7 Days to Die, Counter Strike, Shovel Knight, The Secret of Monkey Island, Love Nicky, World of Warcraft, To the Moon, The Beginners Guide, Shadow of the Colosuss, Portal
Theme song by Samuel Baker
Art work by Craig Stevensonno01:12:56107Episode 107 - Jennifer Scheurlefulldeclan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62-58nhd-zex9e-r2pz9-7xztw-zk9db-wnxa7-j9mba-xr5xx-je849-nmganhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5a1adbea53450a9c544a750a/1512075817685/Episode+108+-+Jennifer+Scheurle.mp3Episode 106 - Richard Franke AKA Miss Kitty Powersdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 20 Nov 2017 01:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/jKuMlBhKU1U/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62-58nhd-zex9e-r2pz9-7xztw-zk9db-wnxa7-j9mba-xr5xx-je84950200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:5a1067bbf9619a64a2bb1396<img class="thumb-image" alt="checkpoints final NES v2b 2048.png" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5a11944fc8302511613df915/1511564352869/checkpoints+final+NES+v2b+2048.png" data-image-dimensions="2048x2048" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a11944fc8302511613df915" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5a11944fc8302511613df915/1511564352869/checkpoints+final+NES+v2b+2048.png?format=1000w" />
<p>This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections &amp; games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!</p><p>My guest today is that rarest of unicorns, a video game designer who moonlights as a drag queen. <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/AuntieRich">Richard Franke</a> first got into games through his comic book art, and after spending many years working on a variety of titles - most notably the Burnout series - he left to found <a target="_blank" href="http://www.magicnotion.com/">Magic Notion</a> and create <a target="_blank" href="http://www.magicnotion.com/matchmaker/">Kitty Powers Matchmaker</a>, whose titular character is based on Richard's own drag queen persona.</p><p>We talk about his older brother passing on video game wisdom, his fear of 3D Monster Maze, recreating arcade games on the play ground, how he inadvertently created an Animal Crossing community, the design iteration that goes into making the perfect Burnout crash, and the wonderful sight of the designer of a game appearing on a youtube stream of their game as the main character of the game they created.</p><p><em>“We all came into this world naked. The rest is all drag.” </em></p><p>PATREON - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.patreon.com/checkpoints">patreon.com/checkpoints</a></p><p>iTunes <a target="_blank" href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/checkpoints-declan-dineen/id961200224">HERE</a> -&nbsp; SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW</p><p>Games discussed: Kitty Powers Matchmaker, Pong, Donkey Kong, 3D Monster Maze, Worms, Jet Set Willy, Burnout, Animal Crossing, Zelda, Final Fantasy 11, World of Warcraft, Kim Kardashian: Hollywood, Witcher 3, Mario Kart, MUDs, The Sims, Splatoon, Fallout 3, Dungeons and Dragons</p><p>Theme song by <a target="_blank" href="https://soundcloud.com/furoshiki/">Samuel Baker</a></p><p>Art work by <a target="_blank" href="http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk/">Craig Stevenson</a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~4/jKuMlBhKU1U" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!My guest today is that rarest of unicorns, a video game designer who moonlights as a drag queen. Richard Franke first got into games through his comic book art, and after spending many years working on a variety of titles - most notably the Burnout series - he left to found Magic Notion and create Kitty Powers Matchmaker, whose titular character is based on Richard's own drag queen persona.
We talk about his older brother passing on video game wisdom, his fear of 3D Monster Maze, recreating arcade games on the play ground, how he inadvertently created an Animal Crossing community, the design iteration that goes into making the perfect Burnout crash, and the wonderful sight of the designer of a game appearing on a youtube stream of their game as the main character of the game they created.
“We all came into this world naked. The rest is all drag.”
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: Kitty Powers Matchmaker, Pong, Donkey Kong, 3D Monster Maze, Worms, Jet Set Willy, Burnout, Animal Crossing, Zelda, Final Fantasy 11, World of Warcraft, Kim Kardashian: Hollywood, Witcher 3, Mario Kart, MUDs, The Sims, Splatoon, Fallout 3, Dungeons and Dragons
Theme song by Samuel Baker
Art work by Craig Stevensonno01:32:33106Episode 106 - Richard Franke AKA Ms Kitty Powersfulldeclan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62-58nhd-zex9e-r2pz9-7xztw-zk9db-wnxa7-j9mba-xr5xx-je849http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5a11946a71c10ba553278e1e/1511564352871/Episode+107+-+Richard+Franke+aka+Kitty+Powers.mp3Episode 105 - Will Porterdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 13 Nov 2017 03:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/sOOOUNjje-A/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62-58nhd-zex9e-r2pz9-7xztw-zk9db-wnxa7-j9mba-xr5xx50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:5a06232a085229ebe1fb4cdcMy guest today is the velvet owl Will Porter - Former PC Zone editor,
freelancer, and the writer of Project Zomboid, Alien Isolation and No Man's
Sky.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is the velvet owl Will Porter - Former PC Zone editor, freelancer, and the writer of Project Zomboid, Alien Isolation and No Man's Sky.

We talk about how the PC Zone vs. PC Gamer rivalry is no joke, whether growing up on a farm puts you off farming sims for life, how it felt to be a Betamax kid in a VHS world, and how working in the bowels of Canary Wharf made him feel like he was living in Half Life.

We also hit on Drop 7 addiction, the challenges of working on a game like No Man's Sky, the exotic allure of Flashback, how much we miss middle tier games and the carnal thrills of games like Max Payne, Duke Nukem and Bulletstorm.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!My guest today is the velvet owl Will Porter - Former PC Zone editor, freelancer, and the writer of Project Zomboid, Alien Isolation and No Man's Sky.
We talk about how the PC Zone vs. PC Gamer rivalry is no joke, whether growing up on a farm puts you off farming sims for life, how it felt to be a Betamax kid in a VHS world, and how working in the bowels of Canary Wharf made him feel like he was living in Half Life.
We also hit on Drop 7 addiction, the challenges of working on a game like No Man's Sky, the exotic allure of Flashback, how much we miss middle tier games and the carnal thrills of games like Max Payne, Duke Nukem and Bulletstorm.
"Damn, those alien bastards are gonna pay for shooting up my ride."
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: Zool, Imogen, Repton, Championship Manager, Half Life, Doom, Duke Nukem, Bulletstorm, Flashback, Drop 7, Elite, Carmageddon, the Fallout series, Deus Ex, Powerstone, Ready to Rumble, Abzu, Goldeneye, Far Cry, Uncharted 4, SWAT 4, Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis, Timeshift, Psy Ops, Stanglehold, Alien Isolation, No Man's Sky
Theme song by Samuel Baker
Art work by Craig Stevensonno01:42:27105Checkpoints 105 - Will PorterfullMy guest today is the velvet owl Will Porter - Former PC Zone editor, freelancer, and the writer of Project Zomboid, Alien Isolation and No Man's Sky.

We talk about how the PC Zone vs. PC Gamer rivalry is no joke, whether growing up on a farm puts you off farming sims for life, how it felt to be a Betamax kid in a VHS world, and how working in the bowels of Canary Wharf made him feel like he was living in Half Life.

We also hit on Drop 7 addiction, the challenges of working on a game like No Man's Sky, the exotic allure of Flashback, how much we miss middle tier games and the carnal thrills of games like Max Payne, Duke Nukem and Bulletstorm.

]]>declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62-58nhd-zex9e-r2pz9-7xztw-zk9db-wnxa7-j9mba-xr5xxhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5a062cf9f9619a1bb0be9228/1511024571576/Episode+105+-+Will+Porter.mp3Episode 104 - Mike Cookdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 06 Nov 2017 03:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/q6KFDbi_YXk/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62-58nhd-zex9e-r2pz9-7xztw-zk9db-wnxa7-j9mba50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:59fb7fb91095265d23e911c3<img class="thumb-image" alt="checkpoints final NES v2b 2048.png" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59fb82fdc830252913e9b29c/1510351658874/checkpoints+final+NES+v2b+2048.png" data-image-dimensions="2048x2048" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="59fb82fdc830252913e9b29c" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59fb82fdc830252913e9b29c/1510351658874/checkpoints+final+NES+v2b+2048.png?format=1000w" />
<p>This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections &amp; games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!</p><p>Hello! So good to be back. My guest on today's episode is the amazing <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/mtrc">Mike Cook</a><br />&nbsp;Mike is an AI researcher, the founder of <a target="_blank" href="https://itch.io/jam/procjam">#procjam </a>(this year's even has just started so you should check it out.) and the creator of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gamesbyangelina.org/">ANGELINA</a> an AI system that makes video games.</p><p>As you can imagine, this is a mind blowing and fascinating talk. It honestly completely reshaped the way I think about and understand AI. There's also a ton of great video game stories like the surprise LAN party he had for his 10th birthday, how Command &amp; Conquer cracked open his mind, his mum keeping the secrets of Monkey Island to herself, his 1000s of hours with DOTA 2 and how the AI he created to create games reflects the games he creates himself.</p><p><em>"He's smart, nice, liked by all. Why is he targeted for destruction?" </em></p><p>PATREON - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.patreon.com/checkpoints">patreon.com/checkpoints</a></p><p>iTunes <a target="_blank" href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/checkpoints-declan-dineen/id961200224">HERE</a> -&nbsp; SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW</p><p>Games discussed: Zool, Comman &amp; Conquer: Red Alert, DOTA, N++, Final Fantasy 8, Broken Sword, Spelunky, Metal Gear Solid, Desert Golfing, PUBG, Fortnite, Black and White, Rogue Process, Invisible Inc. Secret of Monkey Island, Facade.&nbsp;</p><p>Theme song by <a target="_blank" href="https://soundcloud.com/furoshiki/">Samuel Baker</a></p><p>Art work by <a target="_blank" href="http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk/">Craig Stevenson</a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~4/q6KFDbi_YXk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!Hello! So good to be back. My guest on today's episode is the amazing Mike Cook
Mike is an AI researcher, the founder of #procjam (this year's even has just started so you should check it out.) and the creator of ANGELINA an AI system that makes video games.
As you can imagine, this is a mind blowing and fascinating talk. It honestly completely reshaped the way I think about and understand AI. There's also a ton of great video game stories like the surprise LAN party he had for his 10th birthday, how Command & Conquer cracked open his mind, his mum keeping the secrets of Monkey Island to herself, his 1000s of hours with DOTA 2 and how the AI he created to create games reflects the games he creates himself.
"He's smart, nice, liked by all. Why is he targeted for destruction?"
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: Zool, Comman & Conquer: Red Alert, DOTA, N++, Final Fantasy 8, Broken Sword, Spelunky, Metal Gear Solid, Desert Golfing, PUBG, Fortnite, Black and White, Rogue Process, Invisible Inc. Secret of Monkey Island, Facade.
Theme song by Samuel Baker
Art work by Craig Stevensonno01:30:12declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62-58nhd-zex9e-r2pz9-7xztw-zk9db-wnxa7-j9mbahttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59fb93249140b73add49e008/1510351658876/Episode+104+-+Mike+Cook.mp3Rebroadcast: Episode 17 - Christopher Brookmyredeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 30 Oct 2017 06:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/354hP4ZR7m4/wnwu8tieco27pj1aa6v2k6i2h8998s-re844-86MbR50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:59ceb6c6e9bfdf227c1296c5Today's guest is the Scottish novelist Christopher Brookmyre. Chris's love
of videogames is peppered through many of his books, but most distinctly in
his recent novel Bedlam which has subsequently become it's own videogame.
We talk Manic Miner and Jet Set Willy, videogames as fuel for imagination,
trolling Dreamcast players, and the parallels between the Quake scene of
the 90s and the Punk scene of the 70s. All fun and games until someone
loses an eye.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each week, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

Today's guest is the Scottish novelist Christopher Brookmyre. Chris's love of videogames is peppered through many of his books, but most distinctly in his recent novel Bedlam which has subsequently become it's own videogame. We talk Manic Miner and Jet Set Willy, videogames as fuel for imagination, trolling Dreamcast players, and the parallels between the Quake scene of the 90s and the Punk scene of the 70s. All fun and games until someone loses an eye.

]]>Declan DineennoThis is a show about videogames. The people who make them and the people who play them. This is a show about videogames, The people who play them and the people who make them. Each week, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/wnwu8tieco27pj1aa6v2k6i2h8998s-re844-86MbRhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59ceb6c6e9bfdf227c1296c3/1441542290878/Episode+17+-+Christopher+Brookmyre.mp3Rebroadcast: Episode 12 - Meg Jayanthdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 30 Oct 2017 06:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/HDsjQ9Lhf28/dgyp7afl0ehgrjgtdrpf108ijnsslb-kcnpp50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:59ceb5ca9f8dce8fe0aa9f07Today's guest is videogame writer and creator Meg Jayanth. We have a
lengthy chat about her work as the lead writer on Time Magazine's game of
2014, 80 Days before delving into all kinds of other narrative based
games. We talk IFs, MUDs, MUSHs and Fanfic. We also hit on our differing
approaches to play, how she can't bear to say goodbye to Commander
Shepherd, making GTA your own, the peculiar ending to Sim Tower and my poor
romantic performance in 80 days. Oh Passepartout....

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each week, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

Today's guest is videogame writer and creator Meg Jayanth. We have a lengthy chat about her work as the lead writer on Time Magazine's game of 2014, 80 Days before delving into all kinds of other narrative based games. We talk IFs, MUDs, MUSHs and Fanfic. We also hit on our differing approaches to play, how she can't bear to say goodbye to Commander Shepherd, making GTA your own, the peculiar ending to Sim Tower and my poor romantic performance in 80 days. Oh Passepartout....

]]>Declan DineennoThis is a show about videogames. The people who make them and the people who play them. This is a show about videogames, The people who play them and the people who make them. Each week, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/dgyp7afl0ehgrjgtdrpf108ijnsslb-kcnpphttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59ceb5ca9f8dce8fe0aa9f05/1435783804543/Checkpoints+-+Episode+12+-+Meg+Jayanth.mp3Rebroadcast: Episode 32 - Mel Croucherdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 23 Oct 2017 05:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/vh71bc06Sj4/ncy6dr9hx4m7w5ae3kaleb7t5xfwn5-cjrsy50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:59ceb541a8b2b0e71b40ec26Mel Croucher is a living legend. You may not have heard of him and might be
thinking, 'Declan, that's a bit strong.' and I'd say, 'Listen to the
episode first.'

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

Mel Croucher is a living legend. You may not have heard of him and might be thinking, 'Declan, that's a bit strong.' and I'd say, 'Listen to the episode first.'

Mel started the first ever videogame company in the UK, Automata. They made games as statements, from profane jabs at the royalty to psychedelic drinking games starring the Pi-man. This all culminated in 1984 with the release of his most ambitious game yet, Devs Ex Machina. It was vastly ahead of it's time. This wasvideogame as concept album. An exploration of life and death with a full celebrity voice cast and a complete musical score. It also proved his undoing.

Mel is packed with extraordinary stories, we talk Sooty Xylophones, designing the first skyscrapers in Duba, broadcasting games across the radio, offering a golden sundial as a videogame prize, working with Christopher Lee and the incredible tale of how piracy caused his downfall and how one of those pirates, 25 years later, brought him back to videogames. This was a treat to record, I hope you enjoy it.

]]>Declan DineennoThis is a show about videogames. The people who make them and the people who play them. This is a show about videogames, The people who play them and the people who make them. Each week, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/ncy6dr9hx4m7w5ae3kaleb7t5xfwn5-cjrsyhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59ceb541a8b2b0e71b40ec24/1460806603400/Episode+32+-+Mel+Croucher.mp3Rebroadcast: Episode 6 - Iain Cook - CHVRCHESdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 16 Oct 2017 05:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/x_NgcKvrNNw/ppostid-5-4d53z50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:59ceb4f312abd93118dfa266Today's guest is Iain Cook of the popular music combo CHVRCHES. We discuss
Galaga, Destiny, gaming on tour, Street Fighter 4 grudge matches and the
inexplicable gaming creation known as Pi Man.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each week, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

Today's guest is Iain Cook of the popular music combo CHVRCHES. We discuss Galaga, Destiny, gaming on tour, Street Fighter 4 grudge matches and the inexplicable gaming creation known as Pi Man.

]]>Declan DineennoThis is a show about videogames. The people who make them and the people who play them. This is a show about videogames, The people who play them and the people who make them. Each week, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/ppostid-5-4d53zhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59ceb4f312abd93118dfa262/1428164458535/Episode+6+-+Iain+Cook.mp3Rebroadcast: Episode 28 - Steven Baileydeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 09 Oct 2017 05:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/-jQIRgs-Dy0/gbukneprhpm6lpsgk18b8ixom78u7y-htttm50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:59cffdc249fc2b35c5af4514Steven Bailey is stupid clever. He has a PHD in mathematics, he's likely
written some of the best videogame writing you've ever read, and now as a
videogame analyst he's charting the future of the industry.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

Steven Bailey is stupid clever. He has a PHD in mathematics, he's likely written some of the best videogame writing you've ever read, and now as a videogame analyst he's charting the future of the industry.

From unbelievable stories of arcade nirvana in the Welsh valleys through to mapping the future of the industry via writing for teletext, living in hospitals and the life altering properties of Guardian Heroes. This is one of the most insightful and candid conversations I've had on the show so far.

Steven has confessions from his time as a videogame journalist, fond memories of friendships forged in multiplayer Secret of Mana, frustration at the Witness and delight at selling Mr C off Hollyoaks a Dreamcast.

]]>Declan DineennoThis is a show about videogames. The people who make them and the people who play them. This is a show about videogames, The people who play them and the people who make them. Each week, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/gbukneprhpm6lpsgk18b8ixom78u7y-htttmhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59cffdc249fc2b35c5af4512/1456758158399/steven+bailey+EDIT.mp3Episode 103 - Jolie Menzeldeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 02 Oct 2017 05:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/08v0nKURQo4/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62-58nhd-zex9e-r2pz9-7xztw-zk9db-wnxa750200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:59ceac12f14aa157072f6f35<img class="thumb-image" alt="checkpoints final NES v2b 2048.png" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59ceac12f14aa157072f6f31/1506190147629/checkpoints+final+NES+v2b+2048.png" data-image-dimensions="2048x2048" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="59ceac12f14aa157072f6f31" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59ceac12f14aa157072f6f31/1506190147629/checkpoints+final+NES+v2b+2048.png?format=1000w" />
<p>This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections &amp; games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!</p><p>My guest on today's episode is the <a target="_blank" href="http://joliemenzel.com/">Jolie Menzel.</a> Jolie is a game designer and developer who started her career at Telltale games and currently works at Ubisoft as the Narrative Desiger for the upcoming <em>South Park - The Fractured But Whole. </em></p><p>We talk arcade games on the Jersey Shore, the pride and shame in Dance Dance Revolution, how her science teacher taught evolution via Pokemon, her love of the Sonic Fandom, and how she maybe got a little too into Minecraft.</p><p>We also hit on her time in Japan, a side quest into Fashion, why Dave Mirra BMX holds such fond memories, her teenage foray into sprite comics, working on South Park, and how she rage quit out of her very first date.</p><p><em>"You can just hang around outside in the sun all day, tossing a ball around, or you can sit at your computer and do something that matters!"</em></p><p>PATREON - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.patreon.com/checkpoints">patreon.com/checkpoints</a></p><p>iTunes <a target="_blank" href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/checkpoints-declan-dineen/id961200224">HERE</a> -&nbsp; SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW</p><p>Games discussed: Ms. Pac Man, Pokemon Stadium, Smash Bros, Galaga, Sonic Adventure, Marvel vs Capcom, Final Fantasy V, Dance Dance Revolution, Kirby, Secret of Mana, Animal Crossing, Katamari Damacy, Minecraft, Niddhogg, Fables,</p><p>Theme song by <a target="_blank" href="https://soundcloud.com/furoshiki/">Samuel Baker</a></p><p>Art work by <a target="_blank" href="http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk/">Craig Stevenson</a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~4/08v0nKURQo4" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!My guest on today's episode is the Jolie Menzel. Jolie is a game designer and developer who started her career at Telltale games and currently works at Ubisoft as the Narrative Desiger for the upcoming South Park - The Fractured But Whole.
We talk arcade games on the Jersey Shore, the pride and shame in Dance Dance Revolution, how her science teacher taught evolution via Pokemon, her love of the Sonic Fandom, and how she maybe got a little too into Minecraft.
We also hit on her time in Japan, a side quest into Fashion, why Dave Mirra BMX holds such fond memories, her teenage foray into sprite comics, working on South Park, and how she rage quit out of her very first date.
"You can just hang around outside in the sun all day, tossing a ball around, or you can sit at your computer and do something that matters!"
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: Ms. Pac Man, Pokemon Stadium, Smash Bros, Galaga, Sonic Adventure, Marvel vs Capcom, Final Fantasy V, Dance Dance Revolution, Kirby, Secret of Mana, Animal Crossing, Katamari Damacy, Minecraft, Niddhogg, Fables,
Theme song by Samuel Baker
Art work by Craig Stevensonno01:11:03declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62-58nhd-zex9e-r2pz9-7xztw-zk9db-wnxa7http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59cffb5ebe42d658b896f16d/1509654457663/Episode+103+-+Jolie+Menzel.mp3Episode 102 - Christian Donlandeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 25 Sep 2017 05:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/dLf95P05OB0/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62-58nhd-zex9e-r2pz9-7xztw-zk9db50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:59c6a2ee8fd4d2c4917f6485<img class="thumb-image" alt="checkpoints final NES v2b 2048.png" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59c6a33ccd0f687a8b1d9137/1506716691003/checkpoints+final+NES+v2b+2048.png" data-image-dimensions="2048x2048" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="59c6a33ccd0f687a8b1d9137" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59c6a33ccd0f687a8b1d9137/1506716691003/checkpoints+final+NES+v2b+2048.png?format=1000w" />
<p>This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections &amp; games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!</p><p>My guest on today's episode is the features editor of Eurogamer, co-host of the Eurogamer podcast and one of my favourite writers, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.eurogamer.net/author/294">Christian Donlan</a>.</p><p>As anyone familiar with Christian or the Eurogamer podcast will expect, this episode goes off on a lot of tangents, but we always end up back at videogames - some highlights include how Uncharted might just be a magic trick, how great writing can give you that same Aha! moment the best games can, and how failing at Spelunky helped him cope with his MS diagnosis.</p><p>In a packed show we also hit on the hilarity of Spy vs. Spy, the genius of the original Ghostbusters game, the profound impact of Animal Crossing, how important video game magazines were, his friend Stu who brought him back to games, the potential of AI crafted experiences, and how you should never play Cluedo with him and his sister.</p><p><em>"Nice day for the race." </em></p><p><em>"What race is that?" </em></p><p><em>"The human race. Kids growing up, so on. Hope for the future."</em></p><p>PATREON - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.patreon.com/checkpoints">patreon.com/checkpoints</a></p><p>iTunes <a target="_blank" href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/checkpoints-declan-dineen/id961200224">HERE</a> -&nbsp; SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW</p><p>Games discussed: Impossible Mission, Spy vs. Spy, Ghostbusters, Titanfall 2, Spelunky, Animal Crossing, PNO3, Tomb Raider, Civilization, Pikmin 3, Jet Set Radio Future, Uncharted, Blitz, Wonder Boy 3, Bonanza Bros, Ghost House, Advance Wars, Burnout 3, Clash Royale, Drop 7, The Saboteur, Fidel Dungeon Rescue, Spelunky, Nex Machina</p><p>Theme song by <a target="_blank" href="https://soundcloud.com/furoshiki/">Samuel Baker</a></p><p>Art work by <a target="_blank" href="http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk/">Craig Stevenson</a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~4/dLf95P05OB0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!My guest on today's episode is the features editor of Eurogamer, co-host of the Eurogamer podcast and one of my favourite writers, Christian Donlan.
As anyone familiar with Christian or the Eurogamer podcast will expect, this episode goes off on a lot of tangents, but we always end up back at videogames - some highlights include how Uncharted might just be a magic trick, how great writing can give you that same Aha! moment the best games can, and how failing at Spelunky helped him cope with his MS diagnosis.
In a packed show we also hit on the hilarity of Spy vs. Spy, the genius of the original Ghostbusters game, the profound impact of Animal Crossing, how important video game magazines were, his friend Stu who brought him back to games, the potential of AI crafted experiences, and how you should never play Cluedo with him and his sister.
"Nice day for the race."
"What race is that?"
"The human race. Kids growing up, so on. Hope for the future."
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: Impossible Mission, Spy vs. Spy, Ghostbusters, Titanfall 2, Spelunky, Animal Crossing, PNO3, Tomb Raider, Civilization, Pikmin 3, Jet Set Radio Future, Uncharted, Blitz, Wonder Boy 3, Bonanza Bros, Ghost House, Advance Wars, Burnout 3, Clash Royale, Drop 7, The Saboteur, Fidel Dungeon Rescue, Spelunky, Nex Machina
Theme song by Samuel Baker
Art work by Craig Stevensonno02:00:49declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62-58nhd-zex9e-r2pz9-7xztw-zk9dbhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59c7bd0b9f8dcec99587c718/1506716691006/Episode+102+-+Christian+Donlan.mp3Episode 101 - Arthur Giesdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 18 Sep 2017 05:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/QM_WAckHqdI/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62-58nhd-zex9e-r2pz9-7xztw50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:59bc45d2f7e0ab3297d2b39f<img class="thumb-image" alt="checkpoints final NES v2b 2048.png" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59bc461df7e0ab3297d2b714/1506190062559/checkpoints+final+NES+v2b+2048.png" data-image-dimensions="2048x2048" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="59bc461df7e0ab3297d2b714" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59bc461df7e0ab3297d2b714/1506190062559/checkpoints+final+NES+v2b+2048.png?format=1000w" />
<p>This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections &amp; games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!</p><p>My guest on today's episode is <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/aegis">Arthur Gies</a>. Arthur is a veteran video game journalist, former reviews editor for Polygon and long time host of <a target="_blank" href="http://rebelfm.libsyn.com/">Rebel FM</a>.</p><p>We talk about his recent decision to leave Polygon and go back to grad school to study fine art before digging back through his video game milestones including: early memories of Atari 2600, video game sense memories, the power of sequels, how SEGA broke his heart, how Halo made him fall in love with games again, the impact of Bioshock, the thrill of meeting your heroes, the highs and lows of DOTA 2, and why Falllout is his favourite place to escape to.</p><p><em>"</em><em>We all make choices, but in the end our choices make us. "</em></p><p>PATREON - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.patreon.com/checkpoints">patreon.com/checkpoints</a></p><p>iTunes <a target="_blank" href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/checkpoints-declan-dineen/id961200224">HERE</a> -&nbsp; SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW</p><p>Games discussed: ET, Q*Bert, Super Mario Bros 2, Goonies 2, Castlevania 2, Megaman 3, Halo, Nights into Dreams, Soul Caliber, God of War 3, Fighting Vipers, Panzer Dragoon Saga, Virtua Fighter, Bioshock, Fallout, Mass Effect, Geometry Wars, Pacman CE DX, Nidhogg 2, DOTA 2, Psychonauts.</p><p>Theme song by <a target="_blank" href="https://soundcloud.com/furoshiki/">Samuel Baker</a></p><p>Art work by <a target="_blank" href="http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk/">Craig Stevenson</a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~4/QM_WAckHqdI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!My guest on today's episode is Arthur Gies. Arthur is a veteran video game journalist, former reviews editor for Polygon and long time host of Rebel FM.
We talk about his recent decision to leave Polygon and go back to grad school to study fine art before digging back through his video game milestones including: early memories of Atari 2600, video game sense memories, the power of sequels, how SEGA broke his heart, how Halo made him fall in love with games again, the impact of Bioshock, the thrill of meeting your heroes, the highs and lows of DOTA 2, and why Falllout is his favourite place to escape to.
"We all make choices, but in the end our choices make us. "
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: ET, Q*Bert, Super Mario Bros 2, Goonies 2, Castlevania 2, Megaman 3, Halo, Nights into Dreams, Soul Caliber, God of War 3, Fighting Vipers, Panzer Dragoon Saga, Virtua Fighter, Bioshock, Fallout, Mass Effect, Geometry Wars, Pacman CE DX, Nidhogg 2, DOTA 2, Psychonauts.
Theme song by Samuel Baker
Art work by no01:32:12declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62-58nhd-zex9e-r2pz9-7xztwhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59bc4fa0e9bfdf77f6f24055/1506190062561/Episode+101+-+Arthur+Gies.mp3Episode 100 - Tim Schaferdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 11 Sep 2017 05:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/m1ho2wOah34/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62-58nhd-zex9e-r2pz950200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:59b3f2bb49fc2b50d0843cd8<img class="thumb-image" alt="checkpoints final NES v2b 2048.png" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59b3f2bb49fc2b50d0843cd4/1504291949167/checkpoints+final+NES+v2b+2048.png" data-image-dimensions="2048x2048" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="59b3f2bb49fc2b50d0843cd4" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59b3f2bb49fc2b50d0843cd4/1504291949167/checkpoints+final+NES+v2b+2048.png?format=1000w" />
<p>This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections &amp; games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!</p><p>Checkpoints 100! Massive thanks to everyone that listens to and subscribes to the show, and of course to all of my previous guests, without whom the show literally wouldn't exist.&nbsp;</p><p>A milestone show requires a milestone guest, so today I'm joined by the creator of several iconic games including Full Throttle, Grim Fandango and Psychonauts and the founder and CEO of <a target="_blank" href="http://doublefine.com/">Double Fine,</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/timoflegend">Tim Schafer.</a></p><p>We hit on a bunch of topics as we meander through Tim's life in games including computer clubs, summer camps, building kit PCs with his dad, how pirating a game almost cost him his job at Lucasarts, playing Pictionary with Death, the highs and lows of running your own studio and how Animal Crossing made him want to lead a better life.</p><p><em>"Whenever I smell asphalt, I think of Maureen."</em></p><p>PATREON - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.patreon.com/checkpoints">patreon.com/checkpoints</a></p><p>iTunes <a target="_blank" href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/checkpoints-declan-dineen/id961200224">HERE</a> -&nbsp; SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW</p><p>Games discussed: Herzog Zwei, Adventure, Animal Crossing, Grim Fandango, Full Throttle, Psychonauts, Super Mario 64, Street Fighter 2, Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild, Katamari Damacy, Portal, Civilisation, Loot Rascals, Little Nightmares, Pictionary, Zork, Space Ace, Tetris</p><p>Theme song by <a target="_blank" href="https://soundcloud.com/furoshiki/">Samuel Baker</a></p><p>Art work by <a target="_blank" href="http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk/">Craig Stevenson</a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~4/m1ho2wOah34" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!Checkpoints 100! Massive thanks to everyone that listens to and subscribes to the show, and of course to all of my previous guests, without whom the show literally wouldn't exist.
A milestone show requires a milestone guest, so today I'm joined by the creator of several iconic games including Full Throttle, Grim Fandango and Psychonauts and the founder and CEO of Double Fine, Tim Schafer.
We hit on a bunch of topics as we meander through Tim's life in games including computer clubs, summer camps, building kit PCs with his dad, how pirating a game almost cost him his job at Lucasarts, playing Pictionary with Death, the highs and lows of running your own studio and how Animal Crossing made him want to lead a better life.
"Whenever I smell asphalt, I think of Maureen."
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: Herzog Zwei, Adventure, Animal Crossing, Grim Fandango, Full Throttle, Psychonauts, Super Mario 64, Street Fighter 2, Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild, Katamari Damacy, Portal, Civilisation, Loot Rascals, Little Nightmares, Pictionary, Zork, Space Ace, Tetris
Theme song by Samuel Baker
Art work by Craig Stevensonno01:14:08declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62-58nhd-zex9e-r2pz9http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59b3f6af0abd0445de6b43e1/1505510866408/Episode+100+-+Tim+Schafer.mp3Episode 99 - Teddy Diefdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 04 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/6tKLqjXP3BA/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62-58nhd-zex9e50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:59a9abf937c5813849d400f5My guest on today's show is Teddy Dief. As well as having an incredibly
enjoyable name to say out loud, Teddy is also a writer, game designer,
Squarebowl founder and the creative director of Square Enix Montreal.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest on today's show is Teddy Dief. As well as having an incredibly enjoyable name to say out loud, Teddy is also a writer, game designer, Squarebowl founder and the creative director of Square Enix Montreal.

We talk about high stakes Duck Hunt battles, being all in on Nintendo, getting an early introduction to game design via Nintendo Power VHS tapes, whether or not fitness is a gameand, much to my personal delight, his time as a member of the acapella group The Clef Hangers.

We also hit on the scratch and sniff cards of Earthbound, how he learned responsibility from the Sony Playstation, the impact of Final Fantasy 7, how Battlestar Galactica made him want to make games, the development of Hyper Light Drifter and why he cherishes the magic of Squarebowl.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!My guest on today's show is Teddy Dief. As well as having an incredibly enjoyable name to say out loud, Teddy is also a writer, game designer, Squarebowl founder and the creative director of Square Enix Montreal.
We talk about high stakes Duck Hunt battles, being all in on Nintendo, getting an early introduction to game design via Nintendo Power VHS tapes, whether or not fitness is a game and, much to my personal delight, his time as a member of the acapella group The Clef Hangers.
We also hit on the scratch and sniff cards of Earthbound, how he learned responsibility from the Sony Playstation, the impact of Final Fantasy 7, how Battlestar Galactica made him want to make games, the development of Hyper Light Drifter and why he cherishes the magic of Squarebowl.
"There's a world where I can go and tell my secrets to."
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: Super Mario Bros, Duck Hunt, Chip and Dale Rescue Rangers, Donkey Kong Country, Earthbound, Secret of Mana, Final Fantasy 7, 8, 12, 13 and 15, Xenogears, Hyper Light Drifter, Rock Band, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Star Wars Galaxies, Quadrilateral Cowboy, Time Splitters 2, Everything, Night in the Woods, Virgina, Nier: Automata, Catherine, Edith Finch
Theme song by Samuel Baker
Art work by Craig Stevensonno01:23:51declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62-58nhd-zex9ehttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59aac7cb6f4ca38d4772a598/1504965307832/Episode+99+-+Teddy+Dief.mp3Episode 98 - Christine Lovedeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 28 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/BtE67SD3weU/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62-58nhd50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:599f2592d55b41c6e4656210My guest today is a writer, designer, creator of Lady Killer in a Bind and
the namesake of Love Conquers All Games, Christine Love.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

In a wild and divergent talk we hit on how 18th Century twitter would be angry about how novels weren't real writing, the connection between Link's Awakening and Twin Peaks, why Pokemon feels like folk lore, and the thrill of meeting strangers on the internet.

We also talk about the impact of Ace Attorney, her coaching sessions in Street Fighter 3rd Strike, playing Final Fantasy 6 to get over a break up, a showdown in a Japanese arcade and why she's thrilled that games have embraced romance.

"Well, my story, surely, would furnish out a surprising kind of novel, if it were to be well told."

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!My guest today is a writer, designer, creator of Lady Killer in a Bind and the namesake of Love Conquers All Games, Christine Love.
In a wild and divergent talk we hit on how 18th Century twitter would be angry about how novels weren't real writing, the connection between Link's Awakening and Twin Peaks, why Pokemon feels like folk lore, and the thrill of meeting strangers on the internet.
We also talk about the impact of Ace Attorney, her coaching sessions in Street Fighter 3rd Strike, playing Final Fantasy 6 to get over a break up, a showdown in a Japanese arcade and why she's thrilled that games have embraced romance.
"Well, my story, surely, would furnish out a surprising kind of novel, if it were to be well told."
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: Ace Attorney, Planetarium, Link's Awakening, Pokemon, Street Fighter 2, Splatoon, Street Fighter 3rd Strike, Farenheit, Counter Strike, World of Warcraft, City of Heroes, Disgaea, Final Fantasy 6, Metal Gear Solid, Mass Effectno01:14:07declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62-58nhdhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59a2d1dfa803bb46c7a4ef2e/1504291833622/Episode+98+-+Christine+Love.mp3Episode 97 - Justin Ma & Matthew Davis AKA Subset Gamesdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 21 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/ja8m-DCtxPA/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl6250200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:59949369e6f2e1a6fa0a4d1fMy guests on today's show are the creators of the amazing FTL and the
upcoming Into the Breach, Justin Ma & Matt Davis AKA Subset Games.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guests on today's show are the creators of the amazing FTL and the upcoming Into the Breach, Justin Ma & Matt Davis AKA Subset Games.

We talk about how they both moved to China to get their first job in games, working at 2K in Shanghai, and how they got to know each other as desk mates and eventually, inspired by weekly board game sessions, decided to try and make a game together. That chance meeting led to one of my favourite games of the past ten years, FTL.

This episode is packed. We talk about both of their early video game loves like Full Throttle and X-Wing, what it was like for Justin growing up with a dad who worked at Activision, how Matthew rediscovered boardgaming in college which ultimately, set him on a path to China and back again.

We also talk a lot about their creative relationship, the upcoming Into the Breach, and a whole bunch about the development of FTL including the boardgame influences, the impact of the kickstarter and how they wanted to make players feel like Jean Luc Picard.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!My guests on today's show are the creators of the amazing FTL and the upcoming Into the Breach, Justin Ma & Matt Davis AKA Subset Games.
We talk about how they both moved to China to get their first job in games, working at 2K in Shanghai, and how they got to know each other as desk mates and eventually, inspired by weekly board game sessions, decided to try and make a game together. That chance meeting led to one of my favourite games of the past ten years, FTL.
This episode is packed. We talk about both of their early video game loves like Full Throttle and X-Wing, what it was like for Justin growing up with a dad who worked at Activision, how Matthew rediscovered boardgaming in college which ultimately, set him on a path to China and back again.
We also talk a lot about their creative relationship, the upcoming Into the Breach, and a whole bunch about the development of FTL including the boardgame influences, the impact of the kickstarter and how they wanted to make players feel like Jean Luc Picard.
"Engage."
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: X-Wing, Mech Warrior, Mortal Kombat, Legend of Zelda, Mario 64, Rez, Full Throttle, Fallout, Planescape, X-Com, System Shock 2, Spelunky, Papers Please, Portal, Prey, PUBG, Advance Wars, Battlestar Galactica, Game of Thronesno01:24:12declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2-crl62http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/599725c5d482e9edaf04fb5b/1503602066600/Episode+97+-+Justin+Ma+%26+Matthew+Davis.mp3Episode 96 - Ben Andacdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 14 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/yNs1uV_GTCo/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes250200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:598ca5c87131a5c103c10316My guest on today's episode is Ben Andac. Ben does a whole bunch of stuff:
writer, producer, designer, business developer. He's recently gone
freelance after spending many years working at larger companies like Sega
and Sony, problem solving, fostering new talent and ensuring the games
being released on the platform are as good as they can possibly be.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest on today's episode is Ben Andac. Ben does a whole bunch of stuff: writer, producer, designer, business developer. He's recently gone freelance after spending many years working at larger companies like Sega and Sony, problem solving, fostering new talent and ensuring the games being released on the platform are as good as they can possibly be.

We talk about his early love of the Master System, how his early experience of games was an attempt to wean him off reading, his competitive Virtua Fighter skills and how Rez convinced him to quit his job and get into games.

Also; the thrill of discovering new designers and how to foster relationships, how movies are interactive, his founding role in a games media giant and how a love of Joe Danger led to No Man's Sky.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!My guest on today's episode is Ben Andac. Ben does a whole bunch of stuff: writer, producer, designer, business developer. He's recently gone freelance after spending many years working at larger companies like Sega and Sony, problem solving, fostering new talent and ensuring the games being released on the platform are as good as they can possibly be.
We talk about his early love of the Master System, how his early experience of games was an attempt to wean him off reading, his competitive Virtua Fighter skills and how Rez convinced him to quit his job and get into games.
Also; the thrill of discovering new designers and how to foster relationships, how movies are interactive, his founding role in a games media giant and how a love of Joe Danger led to No Man's Sky.
"Fear is the mind killer."
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: Alex Kidd, Phantasy Star, Wonder Boy 3, Shinobi, Virtua Racing, Sega Rally, Aladdin, Flash Back, Street Fighter 2, Virtua Fighter, Dance Dance Revolution, Rez, Ico, The Last Guardian, Call of Duty Modern Warfare, World of Warcraft, Pro Evolution Soccer, Journey, Gone Home, Night in the Woods, Crush, Joe Danger, No Man's Skyno01:31:50declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh-jxes2http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/598f3797cf81e026f6268716/1502909289514/Episode+96+-+Ben+Andac.mp3Episode 95 - Walt Williamsdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 07 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/CBmDTp8xOvs/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadh50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:59861c5a414fb5ac544a2e7bMy guest on today's episode is Walt Williams. Walt is the writer of Spec
Ops - The Line and the upcoming Star Wars Battlefront 2. He'll also be
releasing a book next month called Significant Zero which is a behind the
scenes look at modern AAA development which, if you're a fan of this show,
you're very likely to enjoy.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest on today's episode is Walt Williams. Walt is the writer of Spec Ops - The Line and the upcoming Star Wars Battlefront 2. He'll also be releasing a book next month called Significant Zero which is a behind the scenes look at modern AAA development which, if you're a fan of this show, you're very likely to enjoy.

We talk about his early love of Adventure on the 2600, video game branded breakfast cereal, the impact of Final Fantasy 6, why Red Dead Redemption is maybe the best game, and how much he loves video games with endings.

We also talk about how he almost became a preacher, why Batman is really just an enabler for the Riddler, why video game nostalgia can be so much more powerful than other mediums and how he almost didn't take the gig writing Star Wars Battlefront 2 until a tweet from John Boyega pushed him over the edge.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!My guest on today's episode is Walt Williams. Walt is the writer of Spec Ops - The Line and the upcoming Star Wars Battlefront 2. He'll also be releasing a book next month called Significant Zero which is a behind the scenes look at modern AAA development which, if you're a fan of this show, you're very likely to enjoy.
We talk about his early love of Adventure on the 2600, video game branded breakfast cereal, the impact of Final Fantasy 6, why Red Dead Redemption is maybe the best game, and how much he loves video games with endings.
We also talk about how he almost became a preacher, why Batman is really just an enabler for the Riddler, why video game nostalgia can be so much more powerful than other mediums and how he almost didn't take the gig writing Star Wars Battlefront 2 until a tweet from John Boyega pushed him over the edge.
"What happened here was out of my control..."
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: Adventure, Super Mario Bros, Zelda, Marble Madness, Final Fantasy 6, Jak and Daxter, World of Warcraft, Arkham Asylum, Spec Ops the Line, Gone Home, Civilisation, Star Wars Battlefront 2, Guitar Hero, Dark Souls, Night in the Woods, Portal 2, Red Dead Redemption, The Last of Usno01:59:24declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7-9sadhhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59862c9fbe6594b05b2f596c/1502389704687/Episode+95+-+Walt+Williams.mp3Episode 94 - Brendan Keoghdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 31 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/8RzW5ivorJk/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a750200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:597ccb03bf629a069382acb8My guest on today's episode is Brendan Keogh, a Brisbane-based critic,
journalist, and academic. He's written a book about Spec Ops - The Line,
tons of amazing articles for places like Edge, Polygon, The New Statesman
, Ars Technica and as of this year has started making some games for fun.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest on today's episode is Brendan Keogh, a Brisbane-based critic, journalist, and academic. He's written a book about Spec Ops - The Line, tons of amazing articles for places like Edge, Polygon, The New Statesman, Ars Technica and as of this year has started making some games for fun.

Brendan Keogh wrote a thesis about Grand Theft Auto 4 and a book about Spec Ops - The Line so you know the type of episode this is going to be. There are two fine beards either end of a Skype call and they will be stroked. Also bonus cameo from Brendan's dog.

PLUS - how he wore out a controller playing Geometry Wars 2, why he loves the weight of GTA 4, the evergreen pleasures of Doom, why Binary Domain is an overloooked classic, why Alien Isolation works so well and, in a term I'm definitely going to steal, why Far Cry 2 is his chicken soup game.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!My guest on today's episode is Brendan Keogh, a Brisbane-based critic, journalist, and academic. He's written a book about Spec Ops - The Line, tons of amazing articles for places like Edge, Polygon, The New Statesman, Ars Technica and as of this year has started making some games for fun.
Brendan Keogh wrote a thesis about Grand Theft Auto 4 and a book about Spec Ops - The Line so you know the type of episode this is going to be. There are two fine beards either end of a Skype call and they will be stroked. Also bonus cameo from Brendan's dog.
PLUS - how he wore out a controller playing Geometry Wars 2, why he loves the weight of GTA 4, the evergreen pleasures of Doom, why Binary Domain is an overloooked classic, why Alien Isolation works so well and, in a term I'm definitely going to steal, why Far Cry 2 is his chicken soup game.
"Let's go to bowling!"
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: Grand Theft Auto 4, Spec Ops The Line, Catacombs of Solaris, Alex Kidd in Miracle World, Alien Isolation, Call of Duty, Minecraft, Far Cry 2, Zelda BOTW, Nuclear Throne, Tiny Tower, Geometry Wars 2, Final Fantasy 7, Just Cause 2, Flightmare, Time Crisis, Doom, Kong, Strikerno01:32:14declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw-ej3a7http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/597e0f2dd1758e9e17a29c5c/1501961306072/Episode+94+-+Brendan+Keogh.mp3Episode 93 - Rod Humbledeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 24 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/kvvTqz34m08/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrw50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:59732f23414fb5f8ab9422aeMy guest on today's episode is Rod Humble. Rod has an incredible CV - CEO
of Linden Labs, head of the EA Play label responsible for the Sims, game
artist in residence at the San Francisco MOMA and current Jam City GM - but
at heart he is a guy who loves and is fascinated by playing, making, and
talking about games.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest on today's episode is Rod Humble. Rod has an incredible CV - CEO of Linden Labs, head of the EA Play label responsible for the Sims, game artist in residence at the San Francisco MOMA and current Jam City GM - but at heart he is a guy who loves and is fascinated by playing, making, and talking about games.

Here are some highlights of a particularly packed episode: We talk about being moved by scale, an early love of the precise lines of Atom Invaders and the wonder of the seaside arcade, how his early love of design was encouraged by code pages in magazines, and how an early teacher once told him you have two paths ahead of you, computers or crime.

There's also the profound impact of Elite, why Tetris resonates so much with so many, Will Wright stories, how he originally turned his nose up when he was given the Sims to look after, but quickly realised how wrong he was, and how his whole life has been a golden age for videogames.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!My guest on today's episode is Rod Humble. Rod has an incredible CV - CEO of Linden Labs, head of the EA Play label responsible for the Sims, game artist in residence at the San Francisco MOMA and current Jam City GM - but at heart he is a guy who loves and is fascinated by playing, making, and talking about games.
Here are some highlights of a particularly packed episode: We talk about being moved by scale, an early love of the precise lines of Atom Invaders and the wonder of the seaside arcade, how his early love of design was encouraged by code pages in magazines, and how an early teacher once told him you have two paths ahead of you, computers or crime.
There's also the profound impact of Elite, why Tetris resonates so much with so many, Will Wright stories, how he originally turned his nose up when he was given the Sims to look after, but quickly realised how wrong he was, and how his whole life has been a golden age for videogames.
"We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents."
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: Atom Invaders, Star Wars, Missile Command, The Marriage, The Humans, Elite, Tetris, Brutal Paws of Fury, Everquest, The Sims, Cults and Daggers, School Daze, Bounty Bob, Hearthstone, Second Life, Blocks Worldno01:35:03declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/kf54xkfyccgstbsbarnpb2nss3tcrwhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59739f51b3db2b4e8bf505c7/1501350659577/Episode+93+-+Rod+Humble.mp3Episode 92 - Anthony Gallegosdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 17 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/N_HgqLTqN3k/3mln56rc6rfztn4g8ptge3hnej38g950200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:596b4aa16f4ca3a637c1e5fdMy guest on today's episode is Anthony Gallegos - currently working as a
game designer on Marvel Heroes, Anthony previously spent years working in
the enthusiast press for sites like 1up and IGN, and has been everyone's
favourite on a whole host of podcasts including GFW Radio, The Gamespy
Debriefings, The Comedy Button and of course Rebel FM.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that have forged connections & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest on today's episode is Anthony Gallegos - currently working as a game designer on Marvel Heroes, Anthony previously spent years working in the enthusiast press for sites like 1up and IGN, and has been everyone's favourite on a whole host of podcasts including GFW Radio, The Gamespy Debriefings, The Comedy Button and of course Rebel FM.

We talk growing up on a naval base, the ubiquity of the NES in America, how multiplayer games were the bedrock of his early gaming life, his zoology aspirations, his time in Scotland, how a looming deadline helps beat imposter syndrome and how meeting Arthur Gies while they both worked at a Tower Records changed the course of his life.

We also talk about a whole bunch of games - the never ending allure of PUBG, mainlining Everquest in college, why Gone Home was such an inspiration when he started working in design and why a little jank in a game can make all the difference.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest on today's episode is Anthony Gallegos - currently working as a game designer on Marvel Heroes, Anthony previously spent years working in the enthusiast press for sites like 1up and IGN, and has been everyone's favourite on a whole host of podcasts including GFW Radio, The Gamespy Debriefings, The Comedy Button and of course Rebel FM.
We talk growing up on a naval base, the ubiquity of the NES in America, how multiplayer games were the bedrock of his early gaming life, his zoology aspirations, his time in Scotland, how a looming deadline helps beat imposter syndrome and how meeting Arthur Gies while they both worked at a Tower Records changed the course of his life.
We also talk about a whole bunch of games - the never ending allure of PUBG, mainlining Everquest in college, why Gone Home was such an inspiration when he started working in design and why a little jank in a game can make all the difference.
"Mind what you have learned. Save you it can."
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: Super Mario Bros, Fester's Quest, Rust, PUBG, Everquest, World of Warcraft, Gone Home, Tony Hawks Pro Skater, Bushido Blade, Mortal Kombat, The Terminator, Counter Strike, Oblivion, The Walking Dead, Gone Home, Company of Heroes, Jack Box Party Pack, Tribes, God of War 2no01:54:18declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/3mln56rc6rfztn4g8ptge3hnej38g9http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/596b835b6b8f5bacd674c3b1/1500218562362/Episode+92+-+Anthony+Gallegos.mp3Episode 91 - Daniel Cookdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 10 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/w-8XKcVONdE/d84fbytg5rmplf85ambtn6a6t3depw50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:59620ef044024329a4d8c0e2My guest today is Daniel Cook, chief creative officer at SpryFox, creators
of Triple Town, Alphabear, Road Not Taken and many more. Previous to
Spryfox Daniel worked at the brand new Epic Mega Games (later simply Epic
games) before spending a few years at Microsoft. He has also maintained his
incredible design blog Lostgarden for over a decade.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

We talk about how much he loved the Amiga, Bitmap Brothers in particular, growing up in rural Maine, his work in the demo scene in the mid nineties, his deep love of deluxe paint and how he got his start in games thanks to an unsolicited portfolio sent by his friend.

He also shares some incredible insight into the business of making games, how much he loved MUDs, the frustration he felt at Microsoft and why flash portals convinced him to get back into game design.

"We're not going to open a newspaper one day and read about you being eaten by a bear, are we?"

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Daniel Cook, chief creative officer at SpryFox, creators of Triple Town, Alphabear, Road Not Taken and many more. Previous to Spryfox Daniel worked at the brand new Epic Mega Games (later simply Epic games) before spending a few years at Microsoft. He has also maintained his incredible design blog Lostgarden for over a decade.
We talk about how much he loved the Amiga, Bitmap Brothers in particular, growing up in rural Maine, his work in the demo scene in the mid nineties, his deep love of deluxe paint and how he got his start in games thanks to an unsolicited portfolio sent by his friend.
He also shares some incredible insight into the business of making games, how much he loved MUDs, the frustration he felt at Microsoft and why flash portals convinced him to get back into game design.
"We're not going to open a newspaper one day and read about you being eaten by a bear, are we?"
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: Triple Town, Steambirds, Zaxxon, Donkey Kong, Faerie Tale Adventure, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, StarGlider 2, Tyrion, Quake, Animal Crossing, Pikmin, Tetris, Counter Strike, Star Fox Adventures, Thimbleweed Park, Peggle, 1 vs 100, Realm of the Mad God, Hidden Kingdom, Journeyno01:49:47declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/d84fbytg5rmplf85ambtn6a6t3depwhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/596251aeb11be177731e65d7/1499616100972/Episode+91+-+Daniel+Cook.mp3Episode 90 - Ed Keydeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 03 Jul 2017 00:03:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/mf2Q9D4TCN8/k9s2pxtm2z3kr26x6s7n4pkj3h85bb50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:59555d291b10e341df6a933aMy guest today is Ed Key, game designer, creator of the incredible Proteus
and founder of Twisted Tree games.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

We talk Kendall Mint Cake, why the Spectrum game Oh Mummy! had such a profound impact on his younger self, why Stellaris ticks so many boxes, how his dad would gamify their family walks, why Brian Eno and Ultima 7 are forever linked in his brain, and how Proteus almost came with a fold out cloth map.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Ed Key, game designer, creator of the incredible Proteus and founder of Twisted Tree games.
We talk Kendall Mint Cake, why the Spectrum game Oh Mummy! had such a profound impact on his younger self, why Stellaris ticks so many boxes, how his dad would gamify their family walks, why Brian Eno and Ultima 7 are forever linked in his brain, and how Proteus almost came with a fold out cloth map.
"Stay on the road. Keep clear of the moors."
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: Oh Mummy! Proteus, Ultima 7, Chaos Engine, Stellaris, Civilisation II, FTL, Kentucky Route Zero, Forest of Sleep, Batallion Wars, Counter Strike, Mount and Blade, Joust, Tekken 3, Pikmin, Captain Blood, Sensible Soccerno01:35:55declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/k9s2pxtm2z3kr26x6s7n4pkj3h85bbhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/595569cc46c3c4406944a56e/1498770250433/Episode+90+-+Ed+Key.mp3Episode 89 - Jon McKellandeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 26 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/JdMDs28C3lQ/3e5kaysww47znxg6gtr4nlfyzpc46j50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:594e624703596e991b0e2321My guest today is Jon McKellan, one of the founders of NoCode studios,
creators of Stories Untold and Super Arc Light. Previous to setting up his
own studio, Jon spent many years in a band, before getting working in AAA
game development on games like Alien Isolation and the now infamous APB.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Jon McKellan, one of the founders of NoCode studios, creators of Stories Untold and Super Arc Light. Previous to setting up his own studio, Jon spent many years in a band, before getting working in AAA game development on games like Alien Isolation and the now infamous APB.

We talk about his work at these studios, including being there when Realtime Worlds folded, and the human as well as financial impact this can have. We also hit on the job of a lifetime working on the Alien franchise, and why he ended up leaving a job at Rockstar Games to form his own studio.

Wetalk about early loves on the Amiga and Atari 2600, why Dead Rising doesn't get the credit it deserves, the demands of being a mayor in Star Wars Galaxies, the muscle memory of Wipeout, why all open world games should let you turn off the collectibles and the heart breaking truth behind Super Mario Kart path finding.

" I admire its purity. A survivor... unclouded by conscience, remorse, or delusions of morality."

]]>Declan Dineen This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundMy guest today is Jon McKellan, one of the founders of NoCode studios, creators of Stories Untold and Super Arc Light. Previous to setting up his own studio, Jon spent many years in a band, before getting working in AAA game development on games like Alien Isolation and the now infamous APB.
We talk about his work at these studios, including being there when Realtime Worlds folded, and the human as well as financial impact this can have. We also hit on the job of a lifetime working on the Alien franchise, and why he ended up leaving a job at Rockstar Games to form his own studio.
We talk about early loves on the Amiga and Atari 2600, why Dead Rising doesn't get the credit it deserves, the demands of being a mayor in Star Wars Galaxies, the muscle memory of Wipeout, why all open world games should let you turn off the collectibles and the heart breaking truth behind Super Mario Kart path finding.
" I admire its purity. A survivor... unclouded by conscience, remorse, or delusions of morality."
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: Super Arc Light, Alien Isolation, Dead Rising, Half Life 2, Doom, Wipeout, Inside, Horizon Zero Dawn, Star Wars Galaxies, Stories Untold, Alien Isolation, APB, Grand Theft Auto, Super Mario Kart, Bloodborne, Crackdown, Trials HD, Bioshockno01:34:42declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/3e5kaysww47znxg6gtr4nlfyzpc46jhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/594fac19d1758ea200bfd457/1498393950447/Episode+89+-+Jon+McKellan.mp3Episode 88 - Brandon Sheffielddeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 19 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/tUeNlQY6ioc/pwsd6elp66wrdsr494bpeeef9d4h4b50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:59454859ebbd1a0dc15e0df1My guest today is Brandon Sheffield, founder of Nercrosoft games, former
editor of Game Developer Magazine & Gamasutra, ad creator of
Insertcredit.com and No Girlfriend Comics.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

We talk about why all of Brandon's early videogame memories are blurry or in the third person, his deep level of discovery and delving into the forgotten history of games, university rivalries with the Maryland Puyo Puyo champion, his incredibly esoteric CV, and how the discovery of a video game in a store in Torrance, California changed his life.

"Sorta, yeah. But no idealized shit. No phony bullshit. The real thing, y'know? Ordinary life is pretty complex stuff. "

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Brandon Sheffield, founder of Nercrosoft games, former editor of Game Developer Magazine & Gamasutra, ad creator of Insertcredit.com and No Girlfriend Comics.
We talk about why all of Brandon's early videogame memories are blurry or in the third person, his deep level of discovery and delving into the forgotten history of games, university rivalries with the Maryland Puyo Puyo champion, his incredibly esoteric CV, and how the discovery of a video game in a store in Torrance, California changed his life.
"Sorta, yeah. But no idealized shit. No phony bullshit. The real thing, y'know? Ordinary life is pretty complex stuff. "
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: Fantasy Zone, Beam Rider, Advanced D&D, The Smurfs, Gunstar Heroes, Freak Out, Puyo Puyo, Land Maker, Asuka 120% Burning Fist, Shadow Hearts, Star Cruiser, Princess Pyjama, Clash Royale, Nier, Ribbit King, Valkyria Chronicles, Gears of War, Jeanne d'Arc, Bullet Witch, SOS, Pup Breeder, Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom,no01:48:41declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/pwsd6elp66wrdsr494bpeeef9d4h4bhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/594554b24f14bc038bed1190/1497716305188/Episode+88+-+Brandon+Sheffield.mp3Episode 87 - Brie Codedeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 12 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/1JFDBDhY0C8/wdx5h9xygk78r5zdaebahbfh82c4ph50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:593d0677cd0f68786f3b47c1My guest today is Brie Code, speaker, writer, AI programmer, and the CEO
and creative director of Tru Luv Media, a video game studio making games
with people who don't like games.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Brie Code, speaker, writer, AI programmer, and the CEO and creative director of Tru Luv Media, a video game studio making games with people who don't like games.

We talk about playing Snake on a mainframe, the importance of Roberta Williams, how she reinterpreted Warcraft & Starcraft to suit her game playing needs, how AI programming is the sweet spot between psychology and computer science and how and how her non game playing friend's relationship with a character in Skyrim completely shifted her perspective of video games.

We also hit on her time working at Relic on Company of Heroes and at Ubisoft on Child of Light and Assassin's Creed 2 & 3, what inspired her to start her own studio, how much the diversity of game makers around the world continually inspires her, and how being completely honest transformed her as a public speaker.

"Sonny, true love is the greatest thing in the world. But that's not what he said! He distinctly said "to blave." And, as we all know, "to blave" means "to bluff," huh? So you're probably playing cards, and he cheated—"

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsno01:33:31This is a show about videogames, The people who play them and the people who make them. Each week, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/wdx5h9xygk78r5zdaebahbfh82c4phhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/593d0b0ee3df286fa0f7ed20/1497173462082/Episode+87+-+Brie+Code.mp3Episode 86 - Mathew Kumardeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 05 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/IvYa3OYVrIQ/2n9s6sf9s6wblhn25lewz3cxrrws7550200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:593419686b8f5beeb5b1595eMy guest today is Mathew Kumar, a video game designer, a writer, a zine
creator and a podcast host. This is a very game heavy episode and Mathew's
lifelong enthusiasm and passion for video games is incredibly infectious.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

We also hit on growing up playing games in Scotland, the forgotten treasures of the home computer scene, why he always wanted to be a videogame journalist, why he always has a Saturn ready to play, and the physical wonder of the joystick on a Neo Geo Pocket Colour,

"What I do is I just try to take my hat and I turn it around, and it's like a switch that goes on."

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Mathew Kumar, a video game designer, a writer, a zine creator and a podcast host. This is a very game heavy episode and Mathew's lifelong enthusiasm and passion for video games is incredibly infectious.
We also hit on growing up playing games in Scotland, the forgotten treasures of the home computer scene, why he always wanted to be a videogame journalist, why he always has a Saturn ready to play, and the physical wonder of the joystick on a Neo Geo Pocket Colour,
"What I do is I just try to take my hat and I turn it around, and it's like a switch that goes on."
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: Asuka 120% Burning Fist Limited, Star Wars Arcade, SNK vs. Capcom, Bikini Zombie Slayers, Deadly Premonition, Garouden Breakblow: Fist or Twist, Netrunner, Bangai-O, Loot Rascals, Video Ball, Spy Party, Uncharted 4, N++, Animal Crossing New Leaf, NHL 94, Goldeneye, Roland on the Ropes, Civilisation, Castlevania 2, Bill & Ted's Excellent Game Boy Adventure: A Bogus Journey!, Tiny Toon Adventures, Polybiusno01:41:23declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/2n9s6sf9s6wblhn25lewz3cxrrws75http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59341ed003596eae57d2114d/1496588353320/Episode+86+-+Mathew+Kumar.mp3Episode 85 - Violet Berlin / Dr. Jen Hazeldeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 29 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/bRgfuqpf4MA/z76799s6far5tcypy9jwhhbc5x39ye50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:592999a1b3db2b6efbc70cedMy guest today is Violet Berlin, a writer, educator, producer and
presenter, perhaps best known to listeners as the presenter of the video
game TV series Bad Influence.
ONUS GUEST! In a particularly bumper episode I also speak to Dr. Jennifer
Hazel about her non profit company Checkpoint (good name!) which acts at
the intersection of mental health and video games. We have a fascinating
chat about the clinical use of video games in treating mental health
issues, and about their Kickstarter campaign to create a web series about
these issues

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Violet Berlin, a writer, educator, producer and presenter, perhaps best known to listeners as the presenter of the video game TV series Bad Influence.

We talk calculator games, Space Museums, Game & Watch, the hidden adventure within Zelda, a deep love for Castlevania, how Eternal Darkness tricked her a little too hard and bonding with her children through video games.

We also talk about how she never owned a TV until she worked on TV, her unlikely route to becoming a TV presenter, working for the biggest museum project in the world, the thrill of meeting curators, gunge recipes, being passionate about your interests and how she ended up as a playable character in Micro Machines 2.

BONUS GUEST! In a particularly bumper episode I also speak to Dr. Jennifer Hazel about her non profit company Checkpoint (good name!) which acts at the intersection of mental health and video games. We have a fascinating chat about the clinical use of video games in treating mental health issues, and about their Kickstarter campaign to create a web series about these issues. If you're curious and you'd like to support it, there are still a few days left to back it - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/checkpoint/the-checkpoint-series

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Violet Berlin, a writer, educator, producer and presenter, perhaps best known to listeners as the presenter of the video game TV series Bad Influence.
We talk calculator games, Space Museums, Game & Watch, the hidden adventure within Zelda, a deep love for Castlevania, how Eternal Darkness tricked her a little too hard and bonding with her children through video games.
We also talk about how she never owned a TV until she worked on TV, her unlikely route to becoming a TV presenter, working for the biggest museum project in the world, the thrill of meeting curators, gunge recipes, being passionate about your interests and how she ended up as a playable character in Micro Machines 2.
BONUS GUEST! In a particularly bumper episode I also speak to Dr. Jennifer Hazel about her non profit company Checkpoint (good name!) which acts at the intersection of mental health and video games. We have a fascinating chat about the clinical use of video games in treating mental health issues, and about their Kickstarter campaign to create a web series about these issues. If you're curious and you'd like to support it, there are still a few days left to back it - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/checkpoint/the-checkpoint-series
"Remember to set your video recorders for the datablast!"
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: The Legend of Zelda, The Legend of Zelda - Breath of the Wild, Eternal Darkness, Papers Please, Castlevania 2, Sam and Max, The Lawnmower Man, Mega Man, Space Invaders, Micro Machines 2, Stories Untold, Amplitude, Space Channel 5no01:52:37declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/z76799s6far5tcypy9jwhhbc5x39yehttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5929b444414fb5ddd38a6ccf/1495905778089/Episode+85+-+Violet+Berlin.mp3Episode 84 - Omar Cornutdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 22 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/5vzGGyE7gpQ/jkmrgbb9ynat6f6s5xreawgt8y4dcy50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:59207b90e3df28d3084630e1My guest today is Omar Cornut, founder of Lizardcube and creator of the
recent, and excellent, remake of Wonder Boy : The Dragon's Trap.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Omar Cornut, founder of Lizardcube and creator of the recent, and excellent, remake of Wonder Boy : The Dragon's Trap.

We talk growing up in Paris and Egypt, the SEGA Computer 3000 (!), how he traded up from a home made Inidiana Jones board game to a Game & Watch, his founding of a video game course while still a student, and why Psycho Fox is burned into his brain.

We also hit on Omar's role in the emulation scene of the late nineties when he created MEKA, one of the best Master System emulators, his time at Media Molecule, the complicated IP history of Wonder Boy, and how his quest to seek out every secret in The Dragon's Trap led to the founding of a company and the creation of a game.

"What was that? An exhibition? I said emotional content, not anger. Now try again!"

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Omar Cornut, founder of Lizardcube and creator of the recent, and excellent, remake of Wonder Boy : The Dragon's Trap.
We talk growing up in Paris and Egypt, the SEGA Computer 3000 (!), how he traded up from a home made Inidiana Jones board game to a Game & Watch, his founding of a video game course while still a student, and why Psycho Fox is burned into his brain.
We also hit on Omar's role in the emulation scene of the late nineties when he created MEKA, one of the best Master System emulators, his time at Media Molecule, the complicated IP history of Wonder Boy, and how his quest to seek out every secret in The Dragon's Trap led to the founding of a company and the creation of a game.
"What was that? An exhibition? I said emotional content, not anger. Now try again!"
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: Wonder Boy 3, Alex Kidd in Miracle World, Alex Kidd in Shinobi World, River Raid, Aztec Adventure, Ice Climber, Tetris, Evil Twin, Psycho Fox, Soul Bubbles, Kid Chameleon, Super Hexagon, GNOG, Super Mario Kart.no01:25:35declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/jkmrgbb9ynat6f6s5xreawgt8y4dcyhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/59208321e3df28d308467cee/1495303282161/Episode+84+-+Omar+Cornut.mp3Episode 83 - Dominique Ferland AKA Dom2Ddeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 15 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/A6SI-U_SyAE/ttkrnrxnl2gb8trm6l5n9ycrhcbfbr50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:591852e559cc68625b3bf2a2My guest today is Dominique Ferland AKA Dom2D an illustrator and game
designer who most recently designed the excellent Finthook for Tribute
Games.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

We talk about the lack of games in small town Quebec, the incredible music of Pictionary on the NES, early graph paper game designs and the inspirations behind Flinthook.

We also talk through his strange journey to game design via advertising, how Spelunky took over his life, the joy of playing games with a guide and how Proteus taught him to stop worrying and love video games.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Dominique Ferland AKA Dom2D an illustrator and game designer who most recently designed the excellent Finthook for Tribute Games.
We talk about the lack of games in small town Quebec, the incredible music of Pictionary on the NES, early graph paper game designs and the inspirations behind Flinthook.
We also talk through his strange journey to game design via advertising, how Spelunky took over his life, the joy of playing games with a guide and how Proteus taught him to stop worrying and love video games.
"Death is the only adventure I have left, Smee."
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: Pictionary, Flinthook, Fez, Proteus, Spelunky, Guitar Hero, Slender Man, Gladiator School, Resident Evil 7, Dune, Towerfall, Jaipur, Worms, Bionic Commando, Wario Ware, The Legend of Zeldano01:22:12declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/ttkrnrxnl2gb8trm6l5n9ycrhcbfbrhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5918648f725e2544915cd646/1494771182047/Episode+83+-+Dominique+%27Dom2D%27+Ferland.mp3Episode 82 - Margaret Robertsondeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 08 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/6T9ZlSA6YO0/55gh74nsbb96957ktd26t24dhzczel50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:590ce210ebbd1a0ad35ef6f1My guest today is Margaret Roberston, former editor of Edge magazine, now
game director at PlayDots and industry liaison for the New York Game Centre
.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

We talk about forgotten classics of the Atari ST & Amiga era like Captive and Midwinter, the absurdist joy of Ranarama, the Playstation homebrew scene and how she fought through the pain for the love of Guitar Hero.

We also reminisce about the genuine magic of early internet forums, how she got the job on Edge in the bar after the interview, why Final Fantasy 12 is conclusively the best and how designing brilliant games can be the way to someone's heart.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Margaret Roberston, former editor of Edge magazine, now game director at PlayDots and industry liaison for the New York Game Centre.
We talk about forgotten classics of the Atari ST & Amiga era like Captive and Midwinter, the absurdist joy of Ranarama, the Playstation homebrew scene and how she fought through the pain for the love of Guitar Hero.
We also reminisce about the genuine magic of early internet forums, how she got the job on Edge in the bar after the interview, why Final Fantasy 12 is conclusively the best and how designing brilliant games can be the way to someone's heart.
"My, Earth really is full of things! ."
PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints
iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW
Games discussed: Ranarama, Harrier Attack, Captive, Midwinter, Super Mario Kart, WipeOut, PN03, Katamari Damacy, Manhunt, Guitar Hero, Final Fantasy 12, Half Life 2, Amped 3, Uplink, World of Warcraft, Drop 7, Horizon Zero Dawn, Home Free, Kileak the Blood, no02:04:14declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/55gh74nsbb96957ktd26t24dhzczelhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/590ced1ed1758e85c57a9f47/1494019820364/Episode+82+-+Margaret+Robertson.mp3Episode 81 - Hannah Nicklindeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 01 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/E4OJ_ohqi6c/y55l2dk55twyn4fmxtpklznpp3twt250200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:5904d2b22994ca1b11d1f651My guest today is Hannah Nicklin an award winning game designer, writer,
academic, theatre maker, bike rider and talk giver. As the myriad of
adjectives suggest, she's a brilliant guest.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

We talk about weird Comic Relief tie in game Sleepwalker, how Tony Hawk Pro Skater introduced her to punk rock, why controller literacy is such a forgotten problem, that time she bought 100 CDs and a Gamecube on a camping trip and how theatre is a game so old we've forgotten it's a game.

We also hit on street games, her work at Hide & Seek, zines about grandpas, her passion for cycling, how Kentucky Route Zero is one of the greatest games ever made and why Jazz really makes her laugh.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Hannah Nicklin an award winning game designer, writer, academic, theatre maker, bike rider and talk giver. As the myriad of adjectives suggest, she's a brilliant guest. We talk about weird Comic Relief tie in game Sleepwalker, how Tony Hawk Pro Skater introduced her to punk rock, why controller literacy is such a forgotten problem, that time she bought 100 CDs and a Gamecube on a camping trip and how theatre is a game so old we've forgotten it's a game. We also hit on street games, her work at Hide & Seek, zines about grandpas, her passion for cycling, how Kentucky Route Zero is one of the greatest games ever made and why Jazz really makes her laugh. "Hey man, Jaws was never my scene and I don't like Star Wars." PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Sleepwalker, The Lion King, Deus Ex Machina, Loot Rascals, Kentucky Route Zero, Proteus, Cribbage with Grandpas, A Good Snowman is Hard to Build, Mario Kart, Burly Men at Sea, Portal, Tony Hawks Pro Skater, Discworld Noir, Command and Conquer Red Alert no01:45:48declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/y55l2dk55twyn4fmxtpklznpp3twt2http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5904d63d3a04117659c38eb4/1493489625140/Episode+81+-+Hannah+Nicklin.mp3Episode 80 - Siobhan Reddydeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 24 Apr 2017 00:02:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/hOtuh8_O3cY/dsbba6czxcbh35nfkkkh3lymwykxfz50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:58fcc216ff7c502a49367aeaMy guest today is the studio director and co founder of Media Molecule,
Siobhan Reddy. We talk about the founding of the studio, the development of
Little Big Planet and their upcoming title Dreams.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is the studio director and co founder of Media Molecule, Siobhan Reddy. We talk about the founding of the studio, the development of Little Big Planet and their upcoming title Dreams.

We also meander through Siobhan's video game history, from her early love of the Game & Watch, how Resident Evil really shifted her understanding of games and awakened a life long love of horror games, why Bioware games are like a warm blanket, how working on punk fanzines influenced her career and how you never really learn how to make games, you just learn how to make that one.

"In my dreams I can walk. My legs are strong. In my dreams I am the Wizard Master."

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is the studio director and co founder of Media Molecule, Siobhan Reddy. We talk about the founding of the studio, the development of Little Big Planet and their upcoming title Dreams. We also meander through Siobhan's video game history, from her early love of the Game & Watch, how Resident Evil really shifted her understanding of games and awakened a life long love of horror games, why Bioware games are like a warm blanket, how working on punk fanzines influenced her career and how you never really learn how to make games, you just learn how to make that one. "In my dreams I can walk. My legs are strong. In my dreams I am the Wizard Master." PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Game & Watch, Soma, Resident Evil, Flame and the Flood, SSX, Burnout, Little Big Planet, Dreams, Dragon Age, Dead Space, Monkey Island, Hitman, DIscworld Noir, D & D, no01:23:31declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/dsbba6czxcbh35nfkkkh3lymwykxfzhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/58fcc53eb8a79b0b91c9d6e7/1492960936988/Episode+80+-+Siobhan+Reddy.mp3Episode 79 - Harrison G. Pinkdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 17 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/JWxAWwZ5sZ8/my6j7hbefshg86rpjlefkfkwycbxpb50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:58f24653cd0f68deb254d469My guest today is Harrison G. Pink, a world designer who currently works on
Mafia 3 at Hangar 13and has previously worked on the Walking Dead and Tales
from the Borderlands at Telltale.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Harrison G. Pink, a world designer who currently works on Mafia 3 at Hangar 13and has previously worked on the Walking Dead and Tales from the Borderlands at Telltale.

We talk about growing up in Bermuda, solving Kings Quest puzzles while playing in the sea, how shareware trading and PC helped him through boarding school, how Myst changed his life and why The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker seemed like a game made just for him.

We also hit on the storytelling potential of games, how endless hours of Unreal helped him hone his early game design chops, how Megaman made him bite his controller and why Bastion is perfect.

"What do they call it when everything intersects?" "The Bermuda Triangle."

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Harrison G. Pink, a world designer who currently works on Mafia 3 at Hangar 13 and has previously worked on the Walking Dead and Tales from the Borderlands at Telltale. We talk about growing up in Bermuda, solving Kings Quest puzzles while playing in the sea, how shareware trading and PC helped him through boarding school, how Myst changed his life and why The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker seemed like a game made just for him. We also hit on the storytelling potential of games, how endless hours of Unreal helped him hone his early game design chops, how Megaman made him bite his controller and why Bastion is perfect. "What do they call it when everything intersects?" "The Bermuda Triangle." PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Mafia 3, The Walking Dead, Dark Castle, Myst, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Math Blaster, Doom, King's Quest, Command & Conquer, Zork, Starcraft, Unreal, Smash Brothers, Geometry Wars, Megaman 2, Bastion, Giants: Citizen Kabuto, Another World no01:34:39declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/my6j7hbefshg86rpjlefkfkwycbxpbhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/58f25545579fb3f5948687b6/1492276919978/Episode+79+-+Harrison+G.+Pink.mp3Episode 78 - Robert Yangdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 10 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/XtjcuIYDAMg/e9nfc52ppjen8zb6g4pxew67wdknwl50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:58e912d7d1758e676af24c6aMy guest today is Robert Yang, a game developer and a teacher at the NYU
Game Center. Robert's games are most known for their explorations and
interpretations of gay sex, from spanking in Hurt Me Plenty to dick pics in
Cobra Club, and we talk on what compelled him to focus in on these themes,
and how something as seemingly juvenile as a dick pic simulator is actually
a scathing critique of our surveillance culture.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Robert Yang, a game developer and a teacher at the NYU Game Center. Robert's games are most known for their explorations and interpretations of gay sex, from spanking in Hurt Me Plenty to dick pics in Cobra Club, and we talk on what compelled him to focus in on these themes, and how something as seemingly juvenile as a dick pic simulator is actually a scathing critique of our surveillance culture.

We talk about his bad first impressions of video games, how Final Fantasy changed his mind, his introduction to modding through StarCraft and Half Life, that one time he interviewed for Valve and how best to approach a spanking game in VR.

We also hit on our favourite Golden Axe characters, Super Smash Bros. hipsters, how tough it is to do intimacy well in a video game, why twitch won't let people stream his games and how pop songs are some of his strongest influences.

"Every Final Fantasy game is basically about growing up, going through a goth phase and then killing God."

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Robert Yang, a game developer and a teacher at the NYU Game Center. Robert's games are most known for their explorations and interpretations of gay sex, from spanking in Hurt Me Plenty to dick pics in Cobra Club, and we talk on what compelled him to focus in on these themes, and how something as seemingly juvenile as a dick pic simulator is actually a scathing critique of our surveillance culture. We talk about his bad first impressions of video games, how Final Fantasy changed his mind, his introduction to modding through StarCraft and Half Life, that one time he interviewed for Valve and how best to approach a spanking game in VR. We also hit on our favourite Golden Axe characters, Super Smash Bros. hipsters, how tough it is to do intimacy well in a video game, why twitch won't let people stream his games and how pop songs are some of his strongest influences. "Every Final Fantasy game is basically about growing up, going through a goth phase and then killing God." PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Ladykiller in a Bind, Sonic, Golden Axe, Command & Conquer, Starcraft 2, Overwatch, Halo, Super Smash Bros, Oikospiel, Fatale, A good snowman is hard to build, Counter Strike, Half Life, no01:34:07declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/e9nfc52ppjen8zb6g4pxew67wdknwlhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/58eb6d016b8f5b8ded11ad05/1491824228726/Episode+78+-+Robert+Yang.mp3Episode 77 - Ghost Town Games AKA Phil Duncan & Oli DeVinedeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 03 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/OBRmf8tO8CQ/5yha9dkaj9np9jenyxr7a2eefw887c50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:58e0f5933e00be0ae5072b45My guests today are the creators of the incredible local multiplayer game
Overcooked, Phil Duncan and Oli Devine AKA Ghost Town Games.
We talk about both of their early experiences with home computers and the
divergent interests they inspired in them, why Sonic was so fun to draw,
why Tails is the worst, the thrill of local multiplayer, the best version
of Tony Hawks and how you're never ready to start a studio so why not just
do it now?

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guests today are the creators of the incredible local multiplayer game Overcooked, Phil Duncan and Oli Devine AKA Ghost Town Games.

We talk about both of their early experiences with home computers and the divergent interests they inspired in them, why Sonic was so fun to draw, why Tails is the worst, the thrill of local multiplayer, the best version of Tony Hawks and how you're never ready to start a studio so why not just do it now?

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guests today are the creators of the incredible local multiplayer game Overcooked, Phil Duncan and Oli Devine AKA Ghost Town Games. We talk about both of their early experiences with home computers and the divergent interests they inspired in them, why Sonic was so fun to draw, why Tails is the worst, the thrill of local multiplayer, the best version of Tony Hawks and how you're never ready to start a studio so why not just do it now? "Anyone can cook but only the fearless can be great." PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Dizzy, New Zealand Story, Tony Hawks Pro Skater, Sonic 2, Streets of Rage, Bomberman, Kinectimals, Lost Winds, Bioshock, Wrecked, Storage Inc, The Old Republic, Overwatch, Event 0, Dead Space,no01:19:28declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/5yha9dkaj9np9jenyxr7a2eefw887chttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/58e0fefa579fb35c69812665/1491140638261/Episode+77+-+Oli+Devine+%26+Phil+Duncan.mp3Episode 76 - Patrick Klepekdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 27 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/PbVZW1vgNco/msdrktcdn3xnppwpytbagjthc2kr7j50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:58d5914017bffcffb8f84bbfMy guest today is the senior reporter for Waypoint, Patrick Klepek. We talk
about how we can't quit Weezer despite their best efforts, how he pitched a
Playstation to his little brother to ensure they got it as a shared
christmas gift, his incredibly young start in video games and the lack of
romance that defined his early video game journalism career.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is the senior reporter for Waypoint, Patrick Klepek. We talk about how we can't quit Weezer despite their best efforts, how he pitched a Playstation to his little brother to ensure they got it as a shared christmas gift, his incredibly young start in video games and the lack of romance that defined his early video game journalism career.

We also hit on his speakeasy style Halo 2 multiplayer set up in college, his mammoth battle of wits with Dan Rykert during the Mario Maker Mornings, the profound effect of Papá y Yo, and how he learned to stop worrying and love Dark Souls.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is the senior reporter for Waypoint, Patrick Klepek. We talk about how we can't quit Weezer despite their best efforts, how he pitched a Playstation to his little brother to ensure they got it as a shared christmas gift, his incredibly young start in video games and the lack of romance that defined his early video game journalism career. We also hit on his speakeasy style Halo 2 multiplayer set up in college, his mammoth battle of wits with Dan Rykert during the Mario Maker Mornings, the profound effect of Papá y Yo, and how he learned to stop worrying and love Dark Souls. "The redhead said you shred the cello, and I’m Jell-O." PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Tecmo Bowl, Pong, Twisted Metal, Final Fantasy X, Resident Evil, Halo 2, Super Mario Maker, Spelunky, Nioh, Papa Y Yo, Dark Souls, Night in the Woods, Yakuza Zero, Mega Man 2no01:08:47declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/msdrktcdn3xnppwpytbagjthc2kr7jhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/58d598acebbd1aac62edf66d/1490393517386/Episode+76+-+Patrick+Klepek.mp3Episode 75 - Ken Levinedeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 20 Mar 2017 01:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/ergcxTxN_iU/28zxgg3fe52k56pn25mscmlzcah4lj50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:58cd2a5c579fb36fc02b3a25My guest today is Ken Levine, creative director and co-founder of
Irrational and now Ghost Story Games, and the creative force behind some of
the most iconic titles in video game history including System Shock 2,
Thief and the Bioshock Series.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Ken Levine, creative director and co-founder of Irrational and now Ghost Story Games, and the creative force behind some of the most iconic titles in video game history including System Shock 2, Thief and the Bioshock Series.

We talk about the physical thrill of early mechanical games, his bad news bears-esque teenage deliquency - bumming smokes and playing arcades - his bumpy path into video game design via Hollywood and how the theatre prepared him for running a video game studio.

We talk about why the original Castle Wolfenstein was so stressful, how obscure gem Herzog Zwei should get way more credit, why Rocksmith is one of the best games he's ever played and how the Legend of Zelda ruined a relationship.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Ken Levine, creative director and co-founder of Irrational and now Ghost Story Games, and the creative force behind some of the most iconic titles in video game history including System Shock 2, Thief and the Bioshock Series. We talk about the physical thrill of early mechanical games, his bad news bears-esque teenage deliquency - bumming smokes and playing arcades - his bumpy path into video game design via Hollywood and how the theatre prepared him for running a video game studio. We talk about why the original Castle Wolfenstein was so stressful, how obscure gem Herzog Zwei should get way more credit, why Rocksmith is one of the best games he's ever played and how the Legend of Zelda ruined a relationship. "We all make choices, but in the end our choices make us." PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Adventure, Asteroids, Pac Man, The Legend of Zelda, Dark Castle, Road Rash, Herzog Zwei, Yie Ar Kung Fu, Ikari Warriors, Castle Wolfenstein, Star Control, World of Warcraft, Portal, Inside, Thief, Shadow of Mordor, Her Story, X-Com, Invisible Inc, Rocksmithno01:25:41declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/28zxgg3fe52k56pn25mscmlzcah4ljhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/58cd3ad4bebafb2e39a11e90/1489845280740/Episode+75+-+Ken+Levine.mp3Episode 74 - Will Lutondeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 13 Mar 2017 01:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/BVa4ebKJocM/wstrrj7xbnhzk95fga3h4psllk5pzx50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:58c58210bebafb01e04d3bc9My guest today is Will Luton, the product manager for Angry Birds 2 by
Rovio and author of the book Free to Play or how to make money by giving
away your games.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Will Luton, the product manager for Angry Birds 2 by Rovio and author of the book Free to Play or how to make money by giving away your games.

Unsurprisingly we talk a whole bunch about free to play, we lament on the passing of the Dreamcast, we talk about Will's Magic the Gathering training regiment and his passion for playing and restoring old pinball machines.

In an expansive and meandering chat we also manage to get into Alex Kidd speedruns, the merits of the Super Mario Bros movie, DARK BASIC, Pogz: the text adventure and how games can be the perfect therapy.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Will Luton, the product manager for Angry Birds 2 by Rovio and author of the book Free to Play or how to make money by giving away your games. Unsurprisingly we talk a whole bunch about free to play, we lament on the passing of the Dreamcast, we talk about Will's Magic the Gathering training regiment and his passion for playing and restoring old pinball machines. In an expansive and meandering chat we also manage to get into Alex Kidd speedruns, the merits of the Super Mario Bros movie, DARK BASIC, Pogz: the text adventure and how games can be the perfect therapy. "Ever since I was a young boy, I've played the silver ball." PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Hearthstone, Game of War, Rez, The Last Guardian, Resident Evil 7, Magic the Gathering, Alex Kidd, Pong, Space Siege, Skies of Arcadia, Samba di Amigo, Shenmue, Streetfighter, GTAV, Angry Birds 2, New Star Soccer, Game Dev Storyno01:26:35declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/wstrrj7xbnhzk95fga3h4psllk5pzxhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/58c58ae42e69cfc360a66cc8/1489341503843/Episode+74+-+Will+Luton.mp3Episode 73 - David McCarthy declan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 06 Mar 2017 01:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/4bBh8gCblT4/fc9eaejtzw72eka55dast6gnea4kbg50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:58bab899ebbd1ad2e8cf292fMy guest today is David McCarthy who you'll probably recognise from the
radio. He has worn many hats in the video game industry, from staff writer
at Edge, to Rockstar Games and ultimtely to Japan, where he's worked for a
number of video game companies over the past 6 or 7 years.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is David McCarthy who you'll probably recognise from the radio. He has worn many hats in the video game industry, from staff writer at Edge, to Rockstar Games and ultimtely to Japan, where he's worked for a number of video game companies over the past 6 or 7 years.

There's a bunch of serious video game chat including the allure of Sonic, why Halo was so important, the majesty of Bangai O, the underappreciated brilliance of Dead or Alive Extreme Beach Volleyball and how the latest iteration of Fire Emblem stamps on the glory of the original titles.

We also hit on the magic of pen and paper role playing, his unlikely switch from investment banking to video game journalist, dealing with the Hot Coffee incident while working at Rockstar, the burgeoning Japanese Indie Game scene and that time he was blown up on the tube.

]]>Declan Dineen This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is David McCarthy who you'll probably recognise from the radio. He has worn many hats in the video game industry, from staff writer at Edge, to Rockstar Games and ultimtely to Japan, where he's worked for a number of video game companies over the past 6 or 7 years. There's a bunch of serious video game chat including the allure of Sonic, why Halo was so important, the majesty of Bangai O, the underappreciated brilliance of Dead or Alive Extreme Beach Volleyball and how the latest iteration of Fire Emblem stamps on the glory of the original titles. We also hit on the magic of pen and paper role playing, his unlikely switch from investment banking to video game journalist, dealing with the Hot Coffee incident while working at Rockstar, the burgeoning Japanese Indie Game scene and that time he was blown up on the tube. "May the way of the Hero lead to the Triforce." PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Gauntlet, Sonic the Hedgehog, Magic the Gathering, Puyo Puyo, Goldeneye, Bangai O, Dead or Alive Extreme Beach Volleyball, Halo, Mortal Kombat, Fire Emblem, Mutant League Football, Hearthstone, Shadowverse, Snooker, John Madden, Super Monkey Ball, AKB48 - the game. RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:19:54declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/fc9eaejtzw72eka55dast6gnea4kbghttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/58babe8c2e69cfbfda5982a2/1488633841410/Episode+73+-+David+McCarthy.mp3AUTOSAVE (5) - Do you want to be a game dev?declan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 27 Feb 2017 01:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/BQeG6vq3lg0/hp2akj46x6z58hwka4bwmklacmmxym50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:58b32876e6f2e1db5d09f61e<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/58b328a8b3db2b9cf9a8b2fa/1488136369128/" data-image-dimensions="2048x2048" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="58b328a8b3db2b9cf9a8b2fa" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/58b328a8b3db2b9cf9a8b2fa/1488136369128/?format=1000w" />
<p>This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others &amp; games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!</p><p>Checking for autosave...</p><p>It's GDC week so I thought it appropriate to release a special episode of the show where I talk to people who are taking their first steps into video game development. An international panel of guests talk about what drew them to game development in the first place, how they are learning their skills, and all the glory and tragedy making a video game can entail. I've put detailed links to everyone on the show below, so check them out and play their video games.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/hownottodraw">Kate Gray</a> - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=1&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiSg8Dbvq7SAhVETZAKHUhQCuoQFggcMAA&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fkategray.itch.io%2Fawkward-dating-simulator&amp;usg=AFQjCNEMprFqIsz8JpLLJgg6mwlZdWfR3Q&amp;sig2=ldOaBh1rMS_Q0gJwwdo96g">Awkward Dating Simulator</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/sketchwhale">Jacob Hartmann</a> - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UhuDQDGars">Sodagirl</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/tom_cashman">Thomas Cashman</a> - <a target="_blank" href="https://battlebardgames.com/">Bard to the Future</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/floatingben">Cheri Skivinton</a> - <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cheriskivington.com/selfienation">Selfie Nation</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://getproxygame.com/">Michael Wells</a> - <a target="_blank" href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/528860/">Proxy - Ultimate Hacker</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/kkukshtel">Kyle Kukshtel</a> - <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/isotacticsgame">Isotactics</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/tuukastefanson">Tuuka Stefanson</a> - <a target="_blank" href="http://tormentorxpunisher.com/">Tormentor X Punisher</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://vimeo.com/157658390">Jasper Trenfield</a> - <a target="_blank" href="https://willitfit.blog">Will it fit?</a></p><p><em>"Do you wanna be a GAME DEV."</em></p><p>PATREON - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.patreon.com/checkpoints">patreon.com/checkpoints</a></p><p>iTunes <a target="_blank" href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/checkpoints-declan-dineen/id961200224">HERE</a> -&nbsp; SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW</p><p>RSS <a target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/checkpoints-declandineen">HERE</a></p><p>Twitter - <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/CheckpointsShow">twitter.com/CheckpointsShow</a></p><p>Cover design: Craig Stevenson - <a target="_blank" href="http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk">http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk</a></p><p>Music: Samuel Baker - <a target="_blank" href="http://soundcloud.com/furoshiki">http://soundcloud.com/furoshiki</a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~4/BQeG6vq3lg0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsChecking for autosave... It's GDC week so I thought it appropriate to release a special episode of the show where I talk to people who are taking their first steps into video game development. An international panel of guests talk about what drew them to game development in the first place, how they are learning their skills, and all the glory and tragedy making a video game can entail. I've put detailed links to everyone on the show below, so check them out and play their video games. Kate Gray - Awkward Dating Simulator Jacob Hartmann - Sodagirl Thomas Cashman - Bard to the Future Cheri Skivinton - Selfie Nation Michael Wells - Proxy - Ultimate Hacker Kyle Kukshtel - Isotactics Tuuka Stefanson - Tormentor X Punisher Jasper Trenfield - Will it fit? "Do you wanna be a GAME DEV." PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:17:18declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/hp2akj46x6z58hwka4bwmklacmmxymhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/58b328e5d2b8571f0fcbef5c/1488136744765/AUTOSAVE+%285%29+-+Do+you+wanna+be+a+game+dev%3F.mp3Episode 72 - Mare Sheppard & Raigan Burnsdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 20 Feb 2017 01:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/k9jzfhG0dx8/dbtdbmlfdfxxgsk2hstd8dmcj23zym50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:58a9cd401e5b6ce697dff2a8My guests today are Mare Sheppard and Raigan Burns, the founders of
Metanet Software and the creators of N++.
We talk about the promise of early programming, the impact of Sonic the
Hedgehog, how they met and bonded over freeware games, the design lessons
of Wip3out, an NHL 2001 tournament that has spanned over a decade, why a
broad education is perfect for video games and, in perhaps the most
controversial statement on the show thus far, how Crash Team Racing is
better than Mario Kart.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

We talk about the promise of early programming, the impact of Sonic the Hedgehog, how they met and bonded over freeware games, the design lessons of Wip3out, an NHL 2001 tournament that has spanned over a decade, why a broad education is perfect for video games and, in perhaps the most controversial statement on the show thus far, how Crash Team Racing is better than Mario Kart.

As well as chatting enthusiastically about a whole bunch of video games, we also hit on the development of N, how it felt to lead the charge for indie games on Xbox Live Arcade, the fear of selling out, and the positives and negatives of being a perfectionist.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guests today are Mare Sheppard and Raigan Burns, the founders of Metanet Software and the creators of N++. We talk about the promise of early programming, the impact of Sonic the Hedgehog, how they met and bonded over freeware games, the design lessons of Wip3out, an NHL 2001 tournament that has spanned over a decade, why a broad education is perfect for video games and, in perhaps the most controversial statement on the show thus far, how Crash Team Racing is better than Mario Kart. As well as chatting enthusiastically about a whole bunch of video games, we also hit on the development of N, how it felt to lead the charge for indie games on Xbox Live Arcade, the fear of selling out, and the positives and negatives of being a perfectionist. "Lyrics, fill in the gap. Drop that bass and get the Ninja Rap" PATREON - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: N++, Lode Runner, Bionic Commando, Chime, Ascii Arcade, Sonic the Hedgehog, Tetris Attack, Aero the Acrobat, Day of the Tentacle, Space War, Dark Castle, Aladdin, Doom, Commander Keen, Super Mario World, Lumines, NHL 2001, Doom the Rogue Like, Kutar, Gish, Nuzomou, Hyper Light Drifter, Spelunky, Dream quest, Braid, Jumper, Cave Story, Jump and Bump, Dark Souls, Animal Crossing, Crash Team Racing RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - no01:54:31declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/dbtdbmlfdfxxgsk2hstd8dmcj23zymhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/58a9ded3bebafb3378872606/1487528047582/Episode+72+-+Mare+Sheppard+%26+Raigan+Burns.mp3Episode 71 - Michael Broughdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 13 Feb 2017 01:10:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/03tfe_ZJQJs/2b3sn7cacksp5jy85z64d45enap2b350200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:589e648de58c627caaf72801My guest today is Michael Brough, the singular designer of a whole bunch of
truly brilliant video games including 868-Hack, Imbroglio and Corrypt.
We talk about how it feels playing New Zealand story as a kid in New
Zealand, how quickly he fell in love with exploring computers through
command lines, the exotic promise of video game shops, his experimental
StarCraft mods, what keeps him making games, and how sometimes you can have
too much faith in shareware.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

We talk about how it feels playing New Zealand story as a kid in New Zealand, how quickly he fell in love with exploring computers through command lines, the exotic promise of video game shops, his experimental StarCraft mods, what keeps him making games, and how sometimes you can have too much faith in shareware.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Michael Brough, the singular designer of a whole bunch of truly brilliant video games including 868-Hack, Imbroglio and Corrypt. We talk about how it feels playing New Zealand story as a kid in New Zealand, how quickly he fell in love with exploring computers through command lines, the exotic promise of video game shops, his experimental StarCraft mods, what keeps him making games, and how sometimes you can have too much faith in shareware. "Hold Z to feel emotions." PATREON! - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Pac Man, Flightmare, New Zealand Story, Castle of the Wind, StarCraft, Captain Comic 2, Commander Keen, Myst, Race for the Galaxy, Rogue, DOTA RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:04:43declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/2b3sn7cacksp5jy85z64d45enap2b3http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/589e68bef5e231f5604ad2ec/1486776785356/Episode+71+-+Michael+Brough.mp3Episode 70 - Is this the real Frog Fractions 2? No it's Jim Crawford. declan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 06 Feb 2017 01:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/kWlMuaJEhbg/xjfk9s2nbn8p8zfy6cz25plx9ns7g550200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:589751076a4963593a5e4febToday's guest is Jim Crawford, creator of Frog Fractions 1 and Frog
Fractions 2 and co-host of the video games hot dog podcast.
We talk about his very early love of programming, why he would tell his
young self to just rip people off better, how Frog Fractions was born out
of insecurity and the key to funny video games.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

We talk about his very early love of programming, why he would tell his young self to just rip people off better, how Frog Fractions was born out of insecurity and the key to funny video games.

We also talk about World of Warcraft may have got him fired, working in the early PC demo scene, tracker music, reading Dungeons and Dragons rule books for fun, the ahead of it's time Terminator game by Bethesda, and that time Star Wars made him kick a Gamecube.

This is definitely nothing to do with an ARG.

"Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection. The lovers, the dreamers and me."

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsToday's guest is Jim Crawford, creator of Frog Fractions 1 and Frog Fractions 2 and co-host of the video games hot dog podcast. We talk about his very early love of programming, why he would tell his young self to just rip people off better, how Frog Fractions was born out of insecurity and the key to funny video games. We also talk about World of Warcraft may have got him fired, working in the early PC demo scene, tracker music, reading Dungeons and Dragons rule books for fun, the ahead of it's time Terminator game by Bethesda, and that time Star Wars made him kick a Gamecube. This is definitely nothing to do with an ARG. "Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection. The lovers, the dreamers and me." FROG FRACTIONS - http://twinbeard.com/frog-fractions/ PATREON! - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Frog Fractions, Frog Fractions 2, World of Warcraft, Terminator, Gunhouse, QWOP, Psychonauts, Pheonix, Super Mario 64, Grand Theft Auto 4, Space Station Silicon Valley, Pharoah's Tomb, Nethack, Pickaxe Pete. RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:48:20declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/xjfk9s2nbn8p8zfy6cz25plx9ns7g5http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/589858b3579fb31dfbc69943/1486379591292/Episode+70+-+Is+this+the+real+Frog+Fractions+2%3F+No+it%27s+Jim+Crawford.mp3Episode 69 - Rob Dubbindeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 30 Jan 2017 01:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/KNvZD7VMBmc/88cr7b9h6atmynya3jezkt74a5a6hs50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:588cac2ee3df287fa72b8924My guest today is Rob Dubbin. Rob spent over a decade working with Stephen
Colbert on the Colbert Report and The Late Show, but has always had a
strong love for games and game development.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Rob Dubbin. Rob spent over a decade working with Stephen Colbert on the Colbert Report and The Late Show, but has always had a strong love for games and game development.

We talk about childhood hurricanes, Computer Camp, the thrill of learning ZZT, why he is always revisiting Star Control 2, his Samurai Gunn skills, a brief dalliance with hacking and how a chance encounter with an old friend reignited his love for making videogames.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Rob Dubbin. Rob spent over a decade working with Stephen Colbert on the Colbert Report and The Late Show, but has always had a strong love for games and game development. We talk about childhood hurricanes, Computer Camp, the thrill of learning ZZT, why he is always revisiting Star Control 2, his Samurai Gunn skills, a brief dalliance with hacking and how a chance encounter with an old friend reignited his love for making videogames. "Okay, if you guys are really us, what number are we thinking of?" PATREON! - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Samurai Gunn, Callahan's Crosstime Saloon, Undertale, Pharoah's Tomb, Super Smash Brothers, ZZT, Star Control 2, Duck Game, Brooklyn Trash King, Final Fantasy 7, Sword & Sworcery, Rocket League RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:24:54declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/88cr7b9h6atmynya3jezkt74a5a6hshttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/588cb68abebafb213253afa3/1485617101459/Episode+69+-+Rob+Dubbin.mp3Episode 68 - Nina Freemandeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 22 Jan 2017 01:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/FhcHsXNne8s/p4twk67rfcjm4292pncrr6emganh9x50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:5881349cbf629aeb03eab323This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people
who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that
have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired
them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed
wounds. Checkpoints!

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

We talk her life long love of Final Fantasy X-2, the absurdity of playing Sims with no context, how cities make scenes, the Fullbright videogame mixtape, poetry vs. coding, how to quit Final Fantasy Online for real this time and why video games (mostly) suck at sex.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest on today's episode is the wonderful Nina Freeman. Currently working on Tacoma at The Fullbright Company, Nina's previous games include Cibele and the IGF and Indiecade finalist How Do You Do It? We talk her life long love of Final Fantasy X-2, the absurdity of playing Sims with no context, how cities make scenes, the Fullbright videogame mixtape, how to quit Final Fantasy Online for real this time and why videogames (mostly) suck at sex. "You have to use your hands? That's like a baby's toy." PATREON! - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: The Sims, Final Fantasy, Catherine, Cobra Club, Myst, Xenosaga, Smash Brothers, Dark Souls, Soul Caliber 2, Pokemon Blue, Ladykiller in a Bind, Ute, Mystic Messenger, The Stanley Parable, RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:03:30declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/p4twk67rfcjm4292pncrr6emganh9xhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/58813d0b440243b96ab20b22/1484865082268/Episode+68+-+Nina+Freeman.mp3Episode 67 - Rich Vreeland AKA Disasterpeacedeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 16 Jan 2017 00:30:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/JT8Cd_6Eo1w/6fnr9lf436sjswwcsx79amcb7p687850200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:587b7c3dff7c50c9f5e75577My guest today is Rich Vreeland AKA Disasterpeace, the sound artist and
composer for games including Fez, Reigns, Mini Metro, Hyper Light Drifter
and the movie It Follows.
As you can imagine there is a lot of music nerd chat, from esoteric
composition techniques to how to define the Chiptune genre. In a broad and
meandering chat we also hit on his evergreen love of Ice Hockey games, how
he was exposed to Zelda in utero, how much he was inspired by Cave Story
and his unlikely early musical steps creating entrance music for electronic
wrestlers.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Rich Vreeland AKA Disasterpeace, the sound artist and composer for games including Fez, Reigns, Mini Metro, Hyper Light Drifter and the movie It Follows.

As you can imagine there is a lot of music nerd chat, from esoteric composition techniques to how to define the Chiptune genre. In a broad and meandering chat we also hit on his evergreen love of Ice Hockey games, how he was exposed to Zelda in utero, how much he was inspired by Cave Story and his unlikely early musical steps creating entrance music for electronic wrestlers.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Rich Vreeland AKA Disasterpeace, the sound artist and composer for games including Fez, Reigns, Mini Metro, Hyper Light Drifter and the movie It Follows. As you can imagine there is a lot of music nerd chat, from esoteric composition techniques to how to define the Chiptune genre. In a broad and meandering chat we also hit on his evergreen love of Ice Hockey games, how he was exposed to Zelda in utero, how much he was inspired by Cave Story and his unlikely early musical steps creating entrance music for electronic wrestlers. "You just worked yourself into a shoot, brother!" PATREON! - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Super Mario 3, Fez, Cave Story, Halo, Super Pole Riders, World of Warcraft, NHL '94, Super Smash Bros, Super Mario Kart, Pokemon, Samorost 3, Kentucky Route Zero, Inside. RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:33:58declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/6fnr9lf436sjswwcsx79amcb7p6878http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/587b8255d1758e3cefff47c7/1484489711937/Episode+67+-+Rich+Vreeland+AKA+Disasterpeace.mp3Episode 66 - Susan Arendtdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 09 Jan 2017 01:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/Gx47VTPeBUg/g35757c6wcd2w276ex6j6by3kr73gn50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:58725ec1c534a543f9d0b0f4My guest today is Susan Arendt, the executive editor of Gamesradar+,
co-founder of TakeThis and a veteran vidoegame journlaist and editor.
We talk about mastering Maze Craze on the VCS, why Psychonauts is a flawed
masterpiece, how she worked two jobs to fund her love of videogames, why
the puns in Dragon Quest are the best, the impact of Phantasy Star Online
and why playing Missile Command with her dad is such an important memory.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

We talk about mastering Maze Craze on the VCS, why Psychonauts is a flawed masterpiece, how she worked two jobs to fund her love of videogames, why the puns in Dragon Quest are the best, the impact of Phantasy Star Online and why playing Missile Command with her dad is such an important memory.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Susan Arendt, the executive editor of Gamesradar+, co-founder of TakeThis and a veteran vidoegame journlaist and editor. We talk about mastering Maze Craze on the VCS, why Psychonauts is a flawed masterpiece, how she worked two jobs to fund her love of videogames, why the puns in Dragon Quest are the best, the impact of Phantasy Star Online and why playing Missile Command with her dad is such an important memory. "Rise and shine, guardian!" PATREON! - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Morrowind, Buffy, Missile Command, Pong, Maze Craze, Phantasy Star Online, Psychonauts, Destiny, The Witness, Soul Caliber, Overwatch, The Witcher, Device 6, Fable 3 RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:06:55declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/g35757c6wcd2w276ex6j6by3kr73gnhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/58726785414fb539f166022a/1483892893588/Episode+66+-+Susan+Arendt.mp3Episode 65 - Aleks Krotoskideclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 02 Jan 2017 01:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/GIgWbDcthNo/7hfde4p927c4869aa97g8dxny876t550200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:586903cd197aea52833f5f17My first guest of 2017 is the wonderful Aleks Krotoski. Best known to many
as one of the presenters of the late 90s videogame show Bits, Aleks is also
a renowned broadcaster, academic and journalist in the fields of psychology
and technology, and currently hosts Digital Human on BBC Radio 4.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

Happy New Year!

My first guest of 2017 is the wonderful Aleks Krotoski. Best known to many as one of the presenters of the late 90s videogame show Bits, Aleks is also a renowned broadcaster, academic and journalist in the fields of psychology and technology, and currently hosts Digital Human on BBC Radio 4.

We join Aleks on a stroll through LA and talk about playing Frogger in a laundromat, the unique appeal of Glasgow, working on Bits, Hot Coffee, Virtual Reality, the correct way to play Singstar and why she hasn't played a videogame since 2009.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsHappy New Year! My first guest of 2017 is the wonderful Aleks Krotoski. Best known to many as one of the presenters of the late 90s videogame show Bits, Aleks is also a renowned broadcaster, academic and journalist in the fields of psychology and technology, and currently hosts Digital Human on BBC Radio 4. We join Aleks on a stroll through LA and talk about playing Frogger in a laundromat, the unique appeal of Glasgow, working on Bits, Hot Coffee, Virtual Reality, the correct way to play Singstar and why she hasn't played a videogame since 2009. "Beware, coward." Digital Human - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b081ldd8 Vidoegame are Boring by Brie Code - http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2016-11-07-video-games-are-boring PATREON! - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Frogger, Super Mario Bros, Grim Fandango, Second Life, Grand Theft Auto, Fantavision, Sonic, Pitfall, Volleyball, Sim City, 1942, Singstar, RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:02:33declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/7hfde4p927c4869aa97g8dxny876t5http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/58690f85ff7c505afd30ceb1/1483280510057/Episode+65+-+Aleks+Krotowski.mp3Episode 64 - Zach Gagedeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 26 Dec 2016 01:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/3lJdOs1L8H8/ye8nsxxjwp2dmf4me2pxa7wekde3bs50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:585e8cf64402439b0c790c1dClosing out the year and completing my quartet of guests who made some of
my favourite games of 2016, my guest today is the creator of Really Bad
Chess, Zach Gage.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

Closing out the year and completing my quartet of guests who made some of my favourite games of 2016, my guest today is the creator of Really Bad Chess, Zach Gage.

Zach is self described conceptual artist who explores systems. He has an incredible breadth of work but including board games, visual arts, installations andof course videogames like Spelltower, Tharsis and the wonderful Lose/Lose - a space invaders clone that wipes a random file on your computer every time you kill an alien.

We talk through his early love of games and his equally early start creating them, I introduce him to the wonders of Top Trumps, we talk about why he sees himself as an artist before a game designer, the impact Prince of Persia and Lemmings had, and why he thinks poker is the best game ever.

This is a great talk, and a fine end to an otherwise tumultuous year. Thanks for listening, here's to the future!

"Last night I stayed up late playing poker with Tarot cards. I got a full house and four people died."

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsClosing out the year and completing my quartet of guests who made some of my favourite games of 2016, my guest today is the creator of Really Bad Chess, Zach Gage. Zach is self described conceptual artist who explores systems. He has an incredible breadth of work but including board games, visual arts, installations and of course videogames like Spelltower, Tharsis and the wonderful Lose/Lose - a space invaders clone that wipes a random file on your computer every time you kill an alien. We talk through his early love of games and his equally early start creating them, I introduce him to the wonders of Top Trumps, we talk about why he sees himself as an artist before a game designer, the impact Prince of Persia and Lemmings had, and why he thinks poker is the best game ever. This is a great talk, and a fine end to an otherwise tumultuous year. Thanks for listening, here's to the future! "Last night I stayed up late playing poker with Tarot cards. I got a full house and four people died." PATREON! - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Super Mario Bros, Lemmings, Prince of Persia, Mario Paint, Tetris, Really Bad Chess, Poker, Top Trumps, Unreal Tournament, Rocket League, Knights of the Old Republic, Final Fantasy 12, Undertale, Pokemon, Lose/Lose, Spelltower, Go, Imbroglio. RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:30:12declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/ye8nsxxjwp2dmf4me2pxa7wekde3bshttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/585e94c89f7456471a44b011/1482593801901/Episode+64+-+Zach+Gage.mp3Episode 63 - Alex Prestondeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 19 Dec 2016 01:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/4mCQtIgJYMg/2cb3frfbj6g73czhm9n7shkhw2mezl50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:5856beb4e3df283e5139978fAll of my guests in December have created some of my favourite games of the
year, and this week I welcome the creator of Hyper Light Drifter and
co-founder of Heart Machine, Alex Preston. We talk about the creation of
Hyper Light Drifter, the global community of Indie Game Developers, why you
have to be a crazy person to make videogames and how a VHS tape about the
making of Donkey Kong Country changed his life.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

All of my guests in December have created some of my favourite games of the year, and this week I welcome the creator of Hyper Light Drifter and co-founder of Heart Machine, Alex Preston. We talk about the creation of Hyper Light Drifter, the global community of Indie Game Developers, why you have to be a crazy person to make videogames and how a VHS tape about the making of Donkey Kong Country changed his life.

We also hit on his deep love of Zelda and Super Metroid, the magic of Phantasy Star Online, the elegant thrills of DoDonPachi, why Overwatch is one of of our favourite games of the year and why Destiny is the perfect warm blanket.

I also personally want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Thanks as always for listening to the show, and I hope you all have a wonderful festive season. You deserve it.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy interviews with devs of some of my favourite games of 2016 continues this week as I welcome the creator of Hyper Light Drifter and co-founder of Heart Machine, Alex Preston. We talk about the creation of Hyper Light Drifter, the global community of Indie Game Developers, why you have to be a crazy person to make videogames and how a VHS tape about the making of Donkey Kong Country changed his life. We also hit on his deep love of Zelda and Super Metroid, the magic of Phantasy Star Online, the elegant thrills of DoDonPachi, why Overwatch is one of of our favourite games of the year and why Destiny is the perfect warm blanket. I also personally want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Thanks as always for listening to the show, and I hope you all have a wonderful festive season. You deserve it. "Come out to the coast, we'll get together, have a few laughs..." PATREON! - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Godzila, Super Mario Bros. 3, Link to the Past, Super Metroid, Phantasy Star Online, Diablo 2, Destiny, Hyper Light Drifter, Cave Story, Overwatch, Donkey Kong Country, Final Fantasy 6 and 12, Samurai Gun, DoDonPachi, Ikaruga and Donkey Kong Country. RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:10:26declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/2cb3frfbj6g73czhm9n7shkhw2mezlhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5856c756e6f2e1189ab79e49/1482082392904/Episode+63+-+Alex+Preston.mp3Episode 62 - Jonathan Burroughsdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 12 Dec 2016 01:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/j54OgGFfA2w/3k6fajwmc2tdbctnl94gzat9lrs6e350200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:584825b820099e1ea51b9d3aContinuing the December theme of speaking with devs who made some of my
favourite games of 2016, I'm joined this week by Jonathan Burroughs, one of
the creators of Virgina and co-founder of Variable State. The team have
recently been nominated for Writer's Guild of Great Britain award for the
writing in the game too, so huge congratulations to them for that.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

Continuing the December theme of speaking with devs who made some of my favourite games of 2016, I'm joined this week by Jonathan Burroughs, one of the creators of Virgina and co-founder of Variable State. The team have recently been nominated for Writer's Guild of Great Britain award for the writing in the game too, so huge congratulations to them for that.

In addition to his almost accidental career path - which took him from QA on Burnout 3 to starting his own game company via Battlefield and writing House of the Dead - Overkill - we talk about his Spectrum in a briefcase, an early love of Cannon Fodder and Wing Commander, designing levels for Marathon, the story of Virgina, how Lumines can be a cure for anxiety and how Gamedev Story can mend a broken heart.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsContinuing the December theme of speaking with devs who made some of my favourite games of 2016, I'm joined this week by Jonathan Burroughs, one of the creators of Virgina and co-founder of Variable State. The team have recently been nominated for Writer's Guild of Great Britain award for the writing in the game too, so huge congratulations to them for that. In addition to his almost accidental career path - which took him from QA on Burnout 3 to starting his own game company via Battlefield and writing House of the Dead - Overkill - we talk about his Spectrum in a briefcase, an early love of Cannon Fodder and Wing Commander, designing levels for Marathon, the story of Virgina, how Lumines can be a cure for anxiety and how Gamedev Story can mend a broken heart. "There was a fish in the percolator!" The drawing game I couldn't remember the name of is Drawception, and it's still absolutely amazing https://drawception.com/ PATREON! - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Mini Metro, Persona 4 Golden, Virginia, Battalion Wars, Burnout 3, Earthworm Jim, Monkey Island 2, Wing Commander, Cannon Fodder, Draw Something, Lumines, Gamedev Story, Asterisk, Kentucky Route Zero, Passage, Golden Axe, Dictator, Giddy Game Show. RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikinodeclan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/3k6fajwmc2tdbctnl94gzat9lrs6e3http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/58482ba620099e1ea51bf5bc/1481125197953/Episode+62+-+Jonathan+Burroughs.mp3Episode 61 - AP Thomsondeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 05 Dec 2016 00:33:28 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/ZnAsYh6RJDk/9ckwtb3xh4778z7xhgr2yfhsz72b5450200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:58444727d2b857fe8821a85bMy guest today is AP Thomson, creator of Beglitched, the recently released
iOS puzzler Swap Sword and many, many more. (My personal favourite is Tony
Hawks Pro Dater.) He also teaches game design at NYU and has a masters
degree from MIT. No big deal.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is AP Thomson, creator of Beglitched, the recently released iOS puzzler Swap Sword and many, many more. (My personal favourite is Tony Hawks Pro Dater.) He also teaches game design at NYU and has a masters degree from MIT. No big deal.

We talk through the strange fear videogames instilled in him as a kid, and how Kirby's Block Ball helped him through to the other side. Why Cave Story made him want to be a game designer and how Pokemon will likely be here forever.

We hit on his perennial love of hand helds, how he became one of the greatest Super Hexagon players in the world, why sometimes the most illegal games are the most exciting to make and, in a genuinely thrilling exchange, he offers a new reading on the themes of Ocarina of Time which completely blew my mind. Great talk.

"Did you KNOW: fewer people have landed kickflips than have found LOVE."

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is AP Thomson, creator of Beglitched, the recently released iOS puzzler Swap Sword and many, many more. (My personal favourite is Tony Hawks Pro Dater.) He also teaches game design at NYU and has a masters degree from MIT. No big deal. We talk through the strange fear videogames instilled in him as a kid, and how Kirby's Block Ball helped him through to the other side. Why Cave Story made him want to be a game designer and how Pokemon will likely be here forever. We hit on his perennial love of hand helds, how he became one of the greatest Super Hexagon players in the world, why sometimes the most illegal games are the most exciting to make and, in a genuinely thrilling exchange, he offers a new reading on the themes of Ocarina of Time which completely blew my mind. Great talk. "Did you KNOW: fewer people have landed kickflips than have found LOVE." PATREON! - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:43:14declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/9ckwtb3xh4778z7xhgr2yfhsz72b54http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/58445883ff7c507cc21e00f7/1480874312272/Episode+61+-+AP+Thomson.mp3Episode 60 - Mr. Biffodeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 28 Nov 2016 00:05:42 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/Xb9rHC-qTYk/lyhclke95khxfb5nydn3td2t68mnnb50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:583afcb2579fb36e9c974bffMy guest today is Paul Rose aka Mr. Biffo. A hugely influential videogame
writer during his run at Digitiser, a teletext service on Channel 4, Paul
is also a novelist, screenwriter, and has just successfully kickstarted
Found Footage. an online sketch show.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Paul Rose aka Mr. Biffo. A hugely influential videogame writer during his run at Digitiser, a teletext service on Channel 4, Paul is also a novelist, screenwriter, and has just successfully kickstarted Found Footage. an online sketch show.

We meander through Biffo's life in games, from the Binatone Thundercolt to PSVR, via late night Alex Kidd sessions, the amazing single player of Titanfall 2, the forgotten classic Unirally and the impossible excitement of Star Wars Dark Forces.

We also chat about his time programming the scoreboard at Wembley Stadium, how he almost became an artist for 2000AD, how he stumbled into his job at Digister, the subsequent battles with the bosses at Teletext and how gaming when writing can be a blessing and curse.

]]>Episode 60 - Mr. BiffoDeclan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Paul Rose aka Mr. Biffo. A hugely influential videogame writer during his run at Digitiser, a teletext service on Channel 4, Paul is also a novelist, screenwriter, and has just successfully kickstarted Found Footage. an online sketch show. We meander through Biffo's life in games, from the Binatone Thundercolt to PSVR, via late night Alex Kidd sessions, the amazing single player of Titanfall 2, the forgotten classic Unirally and the impossible excitement of Star Wars Dark Forces. We also chat about his time programming the scoreboard at Wembley Stadium, how he almost became an artist for 2000AD, how he stumbled into his job at Digister, the subsequent battles with the bosses at Teletext and how gaming when writing can be a blessing and curse. "You're a real pal, Biffo." PATREON! - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Titanfall 2, Pong, Unirally, Star Wars Dark Forces, Half Life 2, Jet Set Willy, Seiddab Attack, Alex Kidd in Miracle World, Zoo Keeper, Super Star Wars, Uncharted 2, Leisure Suit Larry. RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:10:50declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/lyhclke95khxfb5nydn3td2t68mnnbhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/583b0574e6f2e121689b4fab/1480263176313/Episode+60+-+Mr.+Biffo.mp3Episode 59 - Edmund McMillendeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 21 Nov 2016 00:08:36 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/LoIYtirdKFk/2jhrsl39a4dzprephlzbw94r8wns9l50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:583210715016e17508faa806My guest today is Edmund McMillen, the creator of Super Meat Boy, The
Binding of Isaac, Gish and many, many more. He was also one of the
developers profiled in the excellent Indie Game The Movie.

This is a show about video games, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Edmund McMillen, the creator of Super Meat Boy, The Binding of Isaac, Gish and many, many more. He was also one of the developers profiled in the excellent Indie Game The Movie.

We talk about a lot of videogames as we meander through Edmund's life in games. A deep love of early Nintendo, the hilarity of Katamari and Conkers Bad Fur Day, the genius of Overwatch, the wonders of Shareware, and the urban legend generator that is Mortal Kombat 2.

We also talk about his career in games. How he got started making flash games just to freak out his college teacher, how he got hooked on the instant gratification of publishing games online, his involvement in the early indie scene in California, his awkward encounter with the Melvins, why Indie Game the Movie was a success and why every developer should make their own version of the Legend of Zelda.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Edmund McMillen, the creator of Super Meat Boy, The Binding of Isaac, Gish and many, many more. He was also one of the developers profiled in the excellent Indie Game The Movie. We talk about a lot of videogames as we meander through Edmund's life in games. A deep love of early Nintendo, the hilarity of Katamari and Conkers Bad Fur Day, the genius of Overwatch, the wonders of Shareware, and the urban legend generator that is Mortal Kombat 2. We also talk about his career in games. How he got started making flash games just to freak out his college teacher, how he got hooked on the instant gratification of publishing games online, his involvement in the early indie scene in California, his awkward encounter with the Melvins, why Indie Game the Movie was a success and why every developer should make their own version of the Legend of Zelda. THE BATHROOM WE OPEN THE SHOW TALKING ABOUT - https://twitter.com/edmundmcmillen/status/791717019896860672 "You can't keep the artist down, the art just happens." PATREON! - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Goonies 2, Snake Rattle & Roll, Milon's Secret Castle, XCOM, Doom, Descent, Fallout, Gish, Super Meat Boy, The Binding of Isaac, The Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, WoW, Katamari, Envirobear, Overwatch, The Witness, Warhammer, Magic The Gathering. RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:38:42declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/2jhrsl39a4dzprephlzbw94r8wns9lhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5832197c20099e07c31ccb5b/1479678513223/Episode+59+-+Edmund+McMillen.mp3AUTOSAVE (5) - GAMES ARE FOR EVERYONEdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 14 Nov 2016 00:07:09 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/bsKYn9IrB2U/nae4e4ngrkwggyf5p2bag8pxkr5t3j50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:582750a7d2b8570fc60d7b25Checking for AUTOSAVE.
Ah, the 20th of October 2016, simpler times. I attended the 4th Games are
for Everyone event at the Caves in Edinburgh. A mixture of art gallery,
videogame arcade and club night, the labyrinthine venue was transformed
into an interactive wonderland including real life haunted houses, yoga
ball controllers, awkward arcades, competitive hugging and a Moby Dick game
you control with a giant piece of drift wood.

This is a show about video games, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

Checking for AUTOSAVE.

Ah, the 20th of October 2016, simpler times. I attended the 4th Games are for Everyone event at the Caves in Edinburgh. A mixture of art gallery, videogame arcade and club night, the labyrinthine venue was transformed into an interactive wonderland including real life haunted houses, yoga ball controllers, awkward arcades, competitive hugging and a Moby Dick game you control with a giant piece of drift wood.

I spoke to the organisers of the event and many of the developers who had created the incredible work on display.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about video games, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundChecking for AUTOSAVE. Ah, the 20th of October 2016, simpler times. I attended the 4th Games are for Everyone event at the Caves in Edinburgh. A mixture of art gallery, videogame arcade and club night, the labyrinthine venue was transformed into an interactive wonderland including real life haunted houses, yoga ball controllers, awkward arcades, competitive hugging and a Moby Dick game you control with a giant piece of drift wood. I spoke to the organisers of the event and many of the developers who had created the incredible work on display. We Throw Switches (the organisers, curators and box carriers) - https://twitter.com/WeThrowSwitches Vaida Plankyte (Competitive Cuddling Simulator) - https://twitter.com/underskinnyhrt Niall Moody (Hummindbird) - https://twitter.com/NiallEM Aubrey Hesselgren (The World Is Flat) - https://twitter.com/HilariousCow Cesar Parent (Gravity Pong) - https://twitter.com/cesarparent No Code (The House Abandon) - https://twitter.com/_NoCode James Medd (The Awkward Arcade) - https://twitter.com/awkward_arcade "Hey I just met you, and this is crazy, but here's my number, call me Ishmael." PATREON! - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:04:50declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/nae4e4ngrkwggyf5p2bag8pxkr5t3jhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/58275538e6f2e13993af98a1/1478972866692/AUTOSAVE+%285%29+-+GAMES+ARE+FOR+EVERYONE.mp3Episode 58 - Alexander O. Smithdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 07 Nov 2016 00:54:06 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/iu8WxRJ0qnY/hnjfcyer4ck8nkmshrkgz827fly64750200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:581d04f1ff7c509a5c97f9e2My guest today is Alexander O. Smith, a veteran translator who has worked
on an incredible array of video games including Vagrant Story, Phoenix
Wright, Vanquish and one of the greatest games ever made, Final Fantasy 12.

This is a show about video games, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Alexander O. Smith, a veteran translator who has worked on an incredible array of video games including Vagrant Story, Phoenix Wright, Vanquish and one of the greatest games ever made, Final Fantasy 12.

Being a huge fan of the game, I ask a lot of questions about Final Fantasy 12 and Alex gives a lot of great answers, (like how important Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic was to the crew of the Rabanastre.) We talk a lot about where his love of language first arose, and the art and science of a good translation.

We also take the customary stroll through Alex's personal video game history including an early love of Vector arcade games, making his own MUDs, becoming the GenCon Tetris champion in 1989 and how one of the greatest gaming moments of his life took place one night in Wales.

"Incidentally, what is the going rate for rescuing Princesses these days? Food would be a good start -- the good stuff, mind you."

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about video games, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundMy guest today is Alexander O. Smith, a veteran translator who has worked on an incredible array of video games including Vagrant Story, Phoenix Wright, Vanquish and one of the greatest games ever made, Final Fantasy 12. Being a huge fan of the game, I ask a lot of questions about Final Fantasy 12 and Alex gives a lot of great answers, (like how important Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic was to the crew of the Rabanastre.) We talk a lot about where his love of language first arose, and the art and science of a good translation. We also take the customary stroll through Alex's personal video game history including an early love of Vector arcade games, making his own MUDs, becoming the GenCon Tetris champion in 1989 and how one of the greatest gaming moments of his life took place one night in Wales. "Incidentally, what is the going rate for rescuing Princesses these days? Food would be a good start -- the good stuff, mind you." PATREON! - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: FF12, Phoenix Wright, Brick Out, Game & Watch, Asteroids, Dungeons & Dragons, Tetris, Zork, Portal 2, Battlezone, Civilisation, Magic, Bard's Tale, Rock Band RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino02:00:26declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/hnjfcyer4ck8nkmshrkgz827fly647http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/581d1020f7e0abaa8f301f8a/1478299946432/Episode+58+-+Alexander+O.+Smith.mp3Episode 57 - Tim Constantdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 31 Oct 2016 00:27:33 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/Hgek7L47xU8/nl395yghlfewctmfpcp895zdzaakd350200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:5814ea892e69cf2c64e77b26My guest today is Tim Constant, founder of Panic Barn and creator of the
Tiki Taka Soccer series of video games. Me and Tim chat about his rich
history and love of games, including an obsession with Champ Manager, a
homemade Out Run cabinet and the struggles of being the only gamer in the
village.

This is a show about video games, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Tim Constant, founder of Panic Barn and creator of the Tiki Taka Soccer series of video games. Me and Tim chat about his rich history and love of games, including an obsession with Champ Manager, a homemade Out Run cabinet and the struggles of being the only gamer in the village.

We also talk about the struggles of maintaining and independent studio, how a live quiz game he worked on almost took down Channel 5, and that time he had to choose between his Everquest guild or his girlfriend.

"The ball is round, the game lasts 90 minutes, everything else is pure theory."

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about video games, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundMy guest today is Tim Constant, founder of Panic Barn and creator of the Tiki Taka Soccer series of video games. Me and Tim chat about his rich history and love of games, including an obsession with Champ Manager, a homemade Out Run cabinet and the struggles of being the only gamer in the village. We also talk about the struggles of maintaining and independent studio, how a live quiz game he worked on almost took down Channel 5, and that time he had to choose between his Everquest guild or his girlfriend. "The ball is round, the game lasts 90 minutes, everything else is pure theory." PATREON! - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Tiki Taka Soccer, Championship Manager, PES, Bonk, NBA JAM, Out Run, Worms, E-SWAT, Mr. Heli, Everquest, The Witcher 3, New Star Soccer, Altered Beast, Bamboozle. RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - no01:15:08declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/nl395yghlfewctmfpcp895zdzaakd3http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5814f1f0e3df286e4088f192/1477767966909/Episode+57+-+Tim+Constant.mp3Episode 56 - Tom Bramwelldeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 23 Oct 2016 23:02:17 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/jB9mJ3B3WdI/ejp8mdw2c5aft6tra8n4j82xpkmmc750200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:580b9a6fe6f2e13f50966aa3My guest today is Tom Bramwell, former editor of Eurogamer, former Head of
Writing at Riot Games and all around good guy. We talk about Tom's
ridiculously early start in videogame journalism fuelled by a passion for
videogame magazines, his deep love of FIFA and how Destiny has provided
some of his finest gaming memories.

This is a show about video games, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Tom Bramwell, former editor of Eurogamer, former Head of Writing at Riot Games and all around good guy. We talk about Tom's ridiculously early start in videogame journalism fuelled by a passion for videogame magazines, his deep love of FIFA and how Destiny has provided some of his finest gaming memories.

In a relaxed and meandering chat, we also touch on a love of collecting, the life lessons of The West Wing, playing Rock Band in the penthouse of a Vegas casino, why he never got on with Yoshi's Island and the endless hilarity of FIFA's Impact Engine.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about video games, the people who play them & the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Tom Bramwell, former editor of Eurogamer, former Head of Writing at Riot Games and all around good guy. We talk about Tom's ridiculously early start in videogame journalism fuelled by a passion for videogame magazines, his deep love of FIFA and how Destiny has provided some of his finest gaming memories. In a relaxed and meandering chat, we also touch on a love of collecting, the life lessons of The West Wing, playing Rock Band in the penthouse of a Vegas casino, why he never got on with Yoshi's Island and the endless hilarity of FIFA's Impact Engine. "Welcome to the NFL." PATREON! - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: FIFA, Dark Souls, Hearthstone, Destiny, Space Invaders, Trials HD, Deus Ex, Quake, Doom, League of Legends, Rock Band, Grand Theft Auto, Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger, Nomad Soul, MDK, California Games, Sonic the Hedgehog, Wriggler, Yoshi's Island, Mario Kart. RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:45:57declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/ejp8mdw2c5aft6tra8n4j82xpkmmc7http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/580ba34659cc687268dc65b6/1477158126332/Episode+56+-+Tom+Bramwell.mp3Episode 55 - JP LeBretondeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 16 Oct 2016 23:11:25 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/z8QUTsqnxL4/bb6ktatmhkncpm6cc5k543za3jh4yx50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:5803ad228419c2e59589236cMy guest today is JP LeBreton. Having worked on a variety of games
including Bioshock 1 & 2 and The Cave for Irrational Games and Double Fine
respectively, JP has since gone solo and is currently working on
Autobiographical Architecture as well as various other small projects.

This is a show about video games, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is JP LeBreton. Having worked on a variety of games including Bioshock 1 & 2 and The Cave for Irrational Games and Double Fine respectively, JP has since gone solo and is currently working on Autobiographical Architecture as well as various other small projects.

We meander through the games that shaped JP's life. As well as a life long fascination and love of Doom, we hit on the mystery and promise of his first experience with a Commodore 64, how places in videogames can be as evocative and powerful as real world locations , why he was jealous of the UK home computer scene of the 80s, and how N++ caused him an injury.

He also talks quite frankly about how challenging the video game industry can sometimes be, but how games themselves can often be a salve to this negativity, and remind you why you loved them all over again.

'Something magical is happening that I don’t understand and it’s coming from the machine.'

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about video games, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundMy guest today is JP LeBreton. Having worked on a variety of games including Bioshock 1 & 2 and The Cave for Irrational Games and Double Fine respectively, JP has since gone solo and is currently working on Autobiographical Architecture as well as various other small projects. We meander through the games that shaped JP's life. As well as a life long fascination and love of Doom, we hit on the mystery and promise of his first experience with a Commodore 64, how places in videogames can be as evocative and powerful as real world locations , why he was jealous of the UK home computer scene of the 80s, and how N++ caused him an injury. He also talks quite frankly about how challenging the video game industry can sometimes be, but how games themselves can often be a salve to this negativity, and remind you why you loved them all over again. 'Something magical is happening that I don’t understand and it’s coming from the machine.' Best outro music ever! courtesy of With Ether PATREON! - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Doom, Mr. Robot, Biosock, Forbidden Forest, Syndicate, Quake, Racing Construction Set, Wolfenstein, System Shock, Metroid Prime 2, N++ RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:43:52declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/bb6ktatmhkncpm6cc5k543za3jh4yxhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5803b4ab9de4bb01bc01e7d9/1476638056584/Episode+55+-+JP+LeBreton.mp3Episode 54 - Simon Byrondeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 09 Oct 2016 23:42:19 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/vU2Wc0ZVPrQ/bke9tl3ax8hssm8hl6eagpcdspp96450200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:57f94dce725e25a7b5dbd2d2My guest today is Simon Byron, formerly a videogame journalist and PR
person, now a co-host of videogame radio show One Life Left, Publishing
Director at Curve Digital and creator of hit mobile games Bang Man and Up
Down Left Right. He is also the reigning Sensible Soccer World Champion.

This is a show about video games, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Simon Byron, formerly a videogame journalist and PR person, now a co-host of videogame radio show One Life Left, Publishing Director at Curve Digital and creator of hit mobile games Bang Man and Up Down Left Right. He is also the reigning Sensible Soccer World Champion.

We talk about growing up around arcades in Bournemouth, how anarchic early video game journalism was, the highs and lows of video game PR - from playing in front of thousands at the Isle of Wight festival to sending bags of offal in the post.

We also chat about his shift into publishing and some of the difficulties of the modern video game market (spoilers: there's too much and it's all great), his brief stint as a commentator on GamesMaster and that time he tried to desecrate the grave of Jimi Hendrix.

'Why you gotta play that song so loud?(Because we want to, because we want to)'

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Simon Byron, formerly a videogame journalist and PR person, now a co-host of videogame radio show One Life Left, Publishing Director at Curve Digital and creator of hit mobile games Bang Man and Up Down Left Right. He is also the reigning Sensible Soccer World Champion. We talk about growing up around arcades in Bournemouth, how anarchic early video game journalism was, the highs and lows of video game PR - from playing in front of thousands at the Isle of Wight festival to sending bags of offal in the post. We also chat about his shift into publishing and some of the difficulties of the modern video game market (spoilers: there's too much and it's all great), his brief stint as a commentator on GamesMaster and that time he tried to desecrate the grave of Jimi Hendrix. 'Why you gotta play that song so loud? (Because we want to, because we want to)' PATREON! - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Ikari Warriors, Guitar Hero, 10 Second Ninja, Human Fall Flat, Defender, Dragon's Lair, Sensible Soccer, Doom 2, Aladdin, Star Wars Battlefront, GTA, JFK: Reloaded, Skyrim RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:55:13declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/bke9tl3ax8hssm8hl6eagpcdspp964http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/57fad51359cc68c1e4b14ac9/1476056527706/Episode+54+-+Simon+Byron.mp3Episode 53 - Rami Ismaildeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 02 Oct 2016 23:06:03 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/6CHtLKcLJhk/aycyzczj4tw939aw3chrdap4tmd8le50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:57eea474e3df2881b80ae1dbMy guest today is Rami Ismail, a Dutch/Egyptian video game developer,
creator of presskit() and one half of one of the most prolific and
successful independent video game studios of the past few years, Vlambeer
.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Rami Ismail, a Dutch/Egyptian video game developer, creator of presskit() and one half of one of the most prolific and successful independent video game studios of the past few years, Vlambeer.

We talk about his very early fascination with how games worked and pulling apart code in QBasic, why the Polystation was a blessing in disguise, questionable tactics in Starsiege: Tribes, why he enjoys giving talks so much, the runway train that is Vlambeer and the mystery of it's logo,

"I do what I do for many reasons, and those reasons are life and influence and impact and death and responsibility and legacy and also videogames."

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Rami Ismail, a Dutch/Egyptian video game developer, creator of presskit() and one half of one of the most prolific and successful independent video game studios of the past few years, Vlambeer. We talk about his very early fascination with how games worked and pulling apart code in QBasic, why the Polystation was a blessing in disguise, questionable tactics in Starsiege: Tribes, why he enjoys giving talks so much, the runway train that is Vlambeer and the mystery of it's logo, "I do what I do for many reasons, and those reasons are life and influence and impact and death and responsibility and legacy and also videogames." PATREON! - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Gorillas.bas, Destiny, Nuclear Throne, Starsiege: Tribes, Transport Tycoon, Uncharted 4, Golden Sun, Tiltbrush, Job Simulator, Split/second, Blue Dragon, Metal Gear Solid, Deus Ex, Killer Loop, Contra, Doom, Starcraft. RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:54:43declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/aycyzczj4tw939aw3chrdap4tmd8lehttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/57eec189893fc0024b7e6697/1475265116522/Episode+53+-+Rami+Ismail.mp3Episode 52 - Ori Takemuradeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 25 Sep 2016 23:01:51 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/lyMqtoHywm4/6wess9n5pr42l8p94cnn95ddxtswrs50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:57e6aa28579fb3ccde1c516cMy guest today is Ori Takemura. Originally from Russia, Ori is an award
winning UX and product designer, a video game designer and the founder of
qixen-p design. This is perhaps the most international episode yet. I spoke
to Ori about growing up in Russia, winning design awards in Germany, being
inspired by Japan and living in Singapore.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Ori Takemura. Originally from Russia, Ori is an award winning UX and product designer, a video game designer and the founder of qixen-p design. This is perhaps the most international episode yet. I spoke to Ori about growing up in Russia, winning design awards in Germany, being inspired by Japan and living in Singapore.

This is a hell of a chat. We talk about growing up with games in Russia (the 16 bit console wars were televised!), what it's like playing Command & Conquer Red Alert as a Russian teenager, how a Bang & Olufsen CD player changed his life, how Braid changed his life again, how the UX design of twitter is like a video game and how many downloads you can get for your game when you're hit by a truck.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Ori Takemura. Originally from Russia, Ori is an award winning UX and product designer, a video game designer and the founder of qixen-p design. This is perhaps the most international episode yet. I spoke to Ori about growing up in Russia, winning design awards in Germany, being inspired by Japan and living in Singapore. This is a hell of a chat. We talk about growing up with games in Russia (the 16 bit console wars were televised!), what it's like playing Command & Conquer Red Alert as a Russian teenager, how a Bang & Olufsen CD player changed his life, how Braid changed his life again, how the UX design of twitter is like a video game and how many downloads you can get for your game when you're hit by a truck. "I'm sorry, but the princess is in another castle." PATREON! - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Braid, Space Invaders, Tetris, Carmageddon, Quake, Snake Bird, Ending, Shapist, Tallnum, Bro Force, Command & Conquer, GTA, Scorched Earth, Monument Valley, Thomas was Alone, Deus Ex. RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:39:38declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/6wess9n5pr42l8p94cnn95ddxtswrshttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/57e6b29a44024351976685d2/1474737017425/Episode+52+-+Ori+Takemura.mp3Episode 51 - Alexis Kennedydeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 18 Sep 2016 23:02:25 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/dnwNn5gk7XA/pjjdskmlezrkxytjxr9adc79zzp65b50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:57dd2d346a49637fdbf5950aMy guest today is Alexis Kennedy, the founder of Failbetter Games, creator
of Fallen London, creative director of Sunless Sea, and as of just a few
days ago, the first ever guest writer for BioWare.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Alexis Kennedy, the founder of Failbetter Games, creator of Fallen London, creative director of Sunless Sea, and as of just a few days ago, the first ever guest writer for BioWare.

We talk about how his love of narrative games was awakened playing Colossal Cave on the mainframe at the Oxford University Atmospheric Physics department, the wonder of table top gaming and how Dungeons & Dragons can become a full time job, whether or not the lore in Dark Souls was made up on the fly, the bold decision to leave his job in financial tech and found Failbetter games, and the perhaps even bolder decision to leave that in order to explore his creative process.

There's also a bonus segment at the end we recorded just a few days ago about his relationship with BioWare, and how he landed the job as their first ever guest writer.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Alexis Kennedy, the founder of Failbetter Games, creator of Fallen London, creative director of Sunless Sea, and as of just a few days ago, the first ever guest writer for BioWare. We talk about how his love of narrative games was awakened playing Colossal Cave on the mainframe at the Oxford University Atmospheric Physics department, the wonder of table top gaming and how Dungeons & Dragons can become a full time job, whether or not the lore in Dark Souls was made up on the fly, the bold decision to leave his job in financial tech and found Failbetter games, and the perhaps even bolder decision to leave that in order to explore his creative process. There's also a bonus segment at the end we recorded just a few days ago about his relationship with BioWare, and how he landed the job as their first ever guest writer. 'Press X to write sonnets, press Y to write odes.' PATREON! - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Colossal Cave, Adventure, Space Invaders, Sunless Sea, Baldurs Gate, Spelunky, Darkest Dungeon, The Thick of It game, Quake, Civilisation, Crackdown, Starcraft, Elite, Dark Souls RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:19:31declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/pjjdskmlezrkxytjxr9adc79zzp65bhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/57dd5e2403596e8da905dc5d/1474125523878/Episode+51+-+Alexis+Kennedy.mp3Episode 50 - Bennett Foddydeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 11 Sep 2016 23:18:18 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/y03Kzh-i2ns/hc8f5mte9k5h7fk6gg8amn2pljxaxc50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:57d58a71f7e0ab316f4c6af7My guest today is Bennett Foddy, the creator of QWOP, GIRP and Multibowl
and a professor at the NYU Game Center.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

We talk about Bennett's extraordinary journey to game design via philosophy, ring tone advertisements and a brief stint as the bassist for the band Cut Copy. We talk about a whole heap of different games, and get into why Australia is a country of pirates, why philosophers don't play videogames, why he values breadth over depth and why the remix should be a new form of game design.

'To pretend, I actually do the thing: I have therefore only pretended to pretend.'

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Bennett Foddy, the creator of QWOP, GIRP and Multibowl and a professor at the NYU Game Center. We talk about Bennett's extraordinary journey to game design via philosophy, ring tone advertisements and a brief stint as the bassist for the band Cut Copy. We talk about a whole heap of different games, and get into why Australia is a country of pirates, why philosophers don't play videogames, why he values breadth over depth and why the remix should be a new form of game design. 'To pretend, I actually do the thing: I have therefore only pretended to pretend.' PATREON! - patreon.com/checkpoints iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: QWOP, Multibowl, Demons Souls, Dark Souls, Joust, Stephen Sausage Roll, 720, Off the Wall, Rampage, Gauntlet 2, Rastan Saga, Elite, Legend of Zelda - Skyward Sword, ROM CHECK FAIL, Commander Keen, Command and Conquer, Way of the Exploding Fist, Ikari Warriors, Alien 8 RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:33:01declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/hc8f5mte9k5h7fk6gg8amn2pljxaxchttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/57d59352d482e9b1b3623a70/1473614849397/Episode+50+-+Bennett+Foddy.mp3Episode 49 - Steve McNeildeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 04 Sep 2016 23:04:03 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/COJngZVodvc/372f2rrj5h23fms3c6fy5m2gr89dbf50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:57c9dca09f7456c0f7307b3aMy guest today is Steve McNeil, one of the creators and team captains of
Go 8 Bit, a videogame comedy show that started life as a fringe experiment
and has now been turned into a real life TV show! It starts tonight in the
UK at 10pm on Dave.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Steve McNeil, one of the creators and team captains of Go 8 Bit, a videogame comedy show that started life as a fringe experiment and has now been turned into a real life TV show! It starts tonight in the UK at 10pm on Dave.

We talk through Steve's life in games, from Pong through to the very latest in virtual reality. We touch on his love for the early British videogame pioneers like Jeff Minter and the Oliver Twins, university sessions of Brian Lara Cricket, his deep love of Split/Second Velocity and the potentially friend-ending joy of Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes.

We also touch on Steve's comedy career, how he got his start as a plant in a Brendon Burns fringe show, the origins of Go 8 Bit and the challenge of adapting it for TV, the crazy tech of Wifi Wars and how much Bob Mortimer loves first person shooters.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Steve McNeil, one of the creators and team captains of Go 8 Bit, a videogame comedy show that started life as a fringe experiment and has now been turned into a real life TV show! It starts tonight in the UK at 10pm on Dave. We talk through Steve's life in games, from Pong on the Adnan Grandstand through to the very latest in virtual reality. We touch on his love for the early British videogame pioneers like Jeff Minter and the Oliver Twins, university sessions of Brian Lara Cricket, his deep love of Split/Second Velocity and the potentially friend-ending joy of Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes. We also touch on Steve's comedy career, how he got his start as a plant in a Brendon Burns fringe show, the origins of Go 8 Bit and the challenge of adapting it for TV, the crazy tech of Wifi Wars and how much Bob Mortimer loves first person shooters. 'Drink the brine!' iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Pong, Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes, Chuckie Egg, Dizzy, Split/Second, GTA 4, Brian Lara Cricket, Ico, Assassin's Creed 2, Track and Field, Gang Beats, South Park and the Stick of Truth RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:21:23declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/372f2rrj5h23fms3c6fy5m2gr89dbfhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/57cca4ecf5e231f7907b74f7/1473029513123/Episode+49+-+Steve+McNeil.mp3Episode 48 - Tony Colesdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 28 Aug 2016 23:15:21 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/xa10GalSyZo/hs8fzeglj9pfla3ltrgkwf7jb9e7kf50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:57c2db586b8f5bf91e0ec58bMy guest today is Tony Coles, a freelance videogame writer and former
videogame PR. The length of the episode gives you some idea of how
passionate and excited Tony is by videogames. This episode runs on the
rocket fuel of enthusiasm and nostalgia.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Tony Coles, a freelance videogame writer and former videogame PR. The length of the episode gives you some idea of how passionate and excited Tony is by videogames. This episode runs on the rocket fuel of enthusiasm and nostalgia.

We talk about Tony's first experience of Space Invaders on a German Military Base and how that continued to be the defining game of his youth, early video game hacks involving shoot em up simulators and Maria Whittaker, some horror stories of play testing, why video game PR was not for him, and how he was the first writer to ever get a named credit in Edge.

We also chat about the wonders of the SID chip, how Jet Set Willy instilled a love of exploration, how much we miss the Aki wrestling games, why Ikaruga is the most powerful example of games as art and why more games should have a shout button.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Tony Coles, a freelance videogame writer and former videogame PR. The length of the episode gives you some idea of how passionate and excited Tony is by videogames. This episode runs on the rocket fuel of enthusiasm and nostalgia. We talk about Tony's first experience of Space Invaders on a German Military Base and how that continued to be the defining game of his youth, early video game hacks involving shoot em up simulators and Maria Whittaker, some horror stories of play testing, why video game PR was not for him, and how he was the first writer to ever get a named credit in Edge. We also chat about the wonders of the SID chip, how Jet Set Willy instilled a love of exploration, how much we miss the Aki wrestling games, why Ikaruga is the most powerful example of games as art and why more games should have a shout button. 'My Ninja brings all the boys to the yard.' iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW Games discussed: Manic Miner, Jet Set Willy, Mercenary, Space Invaders, Defender, Ikaruga, Warriors Orochi 3 Ultimate, SWAT 3, Super Shinobi, Fingers Malone, Oblivion, Ultima 3, X-Com, Thunderforce, Golden Axe, Barbarian, Doom, Aliens vs. Predator, Tron 2.0, International Soccer, Uncharted 4. RSS HERE Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino02:01:26declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/hs8fzeglj9pfla3ltrgkwf7jb9e7kfhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/57c474dd9f74560167a616bd/1472492992615/Episode+48+-+Tony+Coles.mp3AUTOSAVE (4) - Performancedeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 21 Aug 2016 23:05:57 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/LTGmxtQQa58/x2k9zw5kswrp3xzrp83cjdnwrynph950200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:57ba0f6bd482e9b69b88175cThis is a special episode of Checkpoints all about the relationship between
performance and playing games. I spoke with a number of actors about how
their relationship with games was shaped by their experience of acting.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

Checking for Autosave.

This is a special episode of Checkpoints all about the relationship between performance and playing games. I spoke with a number of actors about how their relationship with games was shaped by their experience of acting.

Marta Da Silva talks about the challenges of motion capture - Kirsty Strain discusses some of the more bizarre details of voice over work - Ben Sherwin talks about role playing servers - Paul Kozinski and Colin Little chat about some of their more embarrassing performances playing videogames - Amy Conway talks about how a TED talk about videogames formed the basis of her new theatre show - Tony Coles argues the case for the player as the virtuoso and William Pugh discusses the challenge of creating a game to be performed, and has some things to say about youtubers.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsChecking for Autosave. This is a special episode of Checkpoints all about the relationship between performance and playing games. I spoke with a number of actors about how their relationship with games was shaped by their experience of acting. Marta Da Silva talks about the challenges of motion capture - Kirsty Strain discusses some of the more bizarre details of voice over work - Ben Sherwin talks about role playing servers - Paul Kozinski and Colin Little chat about some of their more embarrassing performances playing videogames - Amy Conway talks about how a TED talk about videogames formed the basis of her new theatre show - Tony Coles argues the case for the player as the virtuoso and William Pugh discusses the challenge of creating a game to be performed, and has some things to say about youtubers. 'You gotta do what? I gotta believe!' iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW RSS HERE CrowsCrowsCrows - http://www.crowscrowscrows.com/ The Nearly Men - https://twitter.com/nearlymen Twitter - twitter.com/CheckpointsShow Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:10:51declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/x2k9zw5kswrp3xzrp83cjdnwrynph9http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/57ba0fa7d482e9b69b88192a/1471811628249/Autosave+4+-+Performance.mp3Episode 47 - Ellie Gibsondeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 14 Aug 2016 23:24:54 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/1C44T6TAWsY/n4nlsz9kr7k4ehjdpgya9a8gr6dcc450200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:57af2fbb15d5db4206854f03My guest today is Ellie Gibson, one half of the Scummy Mummies
Podcast/comedy team, an award winning videogame journalist and coming to
TVs near you as the videogame expert in Dara O'Briain's Go 8 Bit.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Ellie Gibson, one half of the Scummy Mummies Podcast/comedy team, an award winning videogame journalist and coming to TVs near you as the videogame expert in Dara O'Briain's Go 8 Bit.

We talk about the dual impact of Jet Set Willy and Band Aid's Feed The World, the bizarre interview process for her first gaming job, an unforgettable press trip for the videogame Black which involved James Bond's stunt double and a ring of fire, why it really should be about ethics in Vietnamese Journalism, the history of Eurogamer, Dave 'The Animal' Perry, and why you shouldn't say the word Joypad on TV.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Ellie Gibson, one half of the Scummy Mummies Podcast/comedy team, an award winning videogame journalist and coming to TVs near you as the videogame expert in Dara O'Briain's Go 8 Bit. We talk about the dual impact of Jet Set Willy and Band Aid's Feed The World, the bizarre interview process for her first gaming job, an unforgettable press trip for the videogame Black which involved James Bond's stunt double and a ring of fire, why it really should be about ethics in Vietnamese Journalism, the history of Eurogamer, Dave 'The Animal' Perry, and why you shouldn't say the word Joypad on TV. 'Simon, sidestep to your left!' iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW RSS HERE Fruit Mystery http://taxiderby.tumblr.com/mystery Games discussed: Jet Set Willy, Fruit Mystery, Tomb Raider, Super Mario Kart, GTA, Candy Crush, New Zealand Story, WipeOut, Rockstar Ate My Hamster, The Suffering, Sky Odyssey, Pokemon Go Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:24:47declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/n4nlsz9kr7k4ehjdpgya9a8gr6dcc4http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/57af376a2994ca2ad3333183/1471100917518/Episode+47+-+Ellie+Gibson.mp3Episode 46 - Jo Twistdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 08 Aug 2016 00:42:15 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/suVMpHIwoC4/ymzsf94sf8djay9hyte4a88n7g69wt50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:57a5fd19f7e0ab78c0764644My guest today is Dr. Jo Twist OBE. As the CEO of UKIE, the UK videogames
trade body, Jo works tirelessly to ensure that the UK is a place where
videogame creators, developers & publishers can thrive.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Dr. Jo Twist OBE. As the CEO of UKIE, the UK videogames trade body, Jo works tirelessly to ensure that the UK is a place where videogame creators, developers & publishers can thrive.

We talk about moving from Hong Kong to Scotland, how she was prescribed her first videogame by an optician, the ubiquity and charm of Game & Watch, the wonders of online communities, her work with Special Effect and why vidoegames can create such powerful social connections.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Dr. Jo Twist OBE. As the CEO of UKIE, the games trade body, Jo works tirelessly to ensure that the UK is a place where videogame developers can thrive. We talk about moving from Hong Kong to Scotland, how she was prescribed her first videogame by an optician, the ubiquity and charm of Game & Watch, the wonders of online communities, her work with Special Effect and why vidoegames can create such powerful social connections. Other Buggers Efforts.no01:08:49declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/ymzsf94sf8djay9hyte4a88n7g69wthttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/57a606d0b8a79b2fec2482a2/1470498662855/Episode+46+-+Jo+Twist.mp3Episode 45 - Chris Remodeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 31 Jul 2016 23:00:27 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/wDX3fadJUD0/yxsz52eswg4e2lwe7lxn6kyxtfm8kd50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:579ce4e603596ec1d83688e8My guest today is Chris Remo. Chris is designer and a composer at the
videogame studio Campo Santo and the producer and host of Idle Thumbs.
After spending a number of years as a videogame journalist Chris moved into
development, working on games like Gone Home, The Cave, Thirty Flights of
Loving and most recently, Firewatch.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Chris Remo. Chris is designer and a composer at the videogame studio Campo Santo and the producer and host of Idle Thumbs. After spending a number of years as a videogame journalist Chris moved into development, working on games like Gone Home, The Cave, Thirty Flights of Loving and most recently, Firewatch.

We talk early obsessions with Civilization, first discovering Star Wars via the PC X-Wing games, college dorm Starcraft battles, playing through the videogame canon in a matter of months, and why his love of Lucasarts adventure games have played such a pivotal role in his life.

Games discussed: Gorilla.bas, Starcraft, Civilsation, X-Wing, Imbroglio, The New York Times Crossword, Halo, Grim Fandango, Full Throttle, The Legend of Zelda, Quake, Spelunky, Super Metroid, Firewatch, Sim City

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Chris Remo. Chris is designer and a composer at the videogame studio Campo Santo and the producer and host of Idle Thumbs. After spending a number of years as a videogame journalist Chris moved into development, working on games like Gone Home, The Cave, Thirty Flights of Loving and most recently, Firewatch. We talk early obsessions with Civilization, first discovering Star Wars via the PC X-Wing games, college dorm Starcraft battles, playing through the videogame canon in a matter of months, and why his love of Lucasarts adventure games have played such a pivotal role in his life. Videogames. iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW RSS HERE Games discussed: Gorilla.bas, Starcraft, Civilsation, X-Wing, Imbroglio, The New York Times Crossword, Halo, Grim Fandango, Full Throttle, The Legend of Zelda, Quake, Spelunky, Super Metroid, Firewatch, Sim City Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:28:55declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/yxsz52eswg4e2lwe7lxn6kyxtfm8kdhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/579cf278197aea7c6b803b0e/1469903633542/Episode+45+-+Chris+Remo.mp3Episode 44 - Chris Tottendeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 24 Jul 2016 23:22:58 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/jn9lw8Ca2DI/ymyhf8fl2ke88jtxkscshjmz6wpg4e50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:57938df98419c25e8ffded63My guest today is Chris Totten. An author, architect, founder of the
Smithsonian Art Museum Indie Arcade and the Game Artist in Residence at
American University. Some CV right? We talk about the relationship between
architecture and level design, why Super Mario 3 was such a life changing
game, the ubiquity of Madden, how single player games can be communal and a
unique teaching experience which replicated the mechanics of Pokemon.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Chris Totten. An author, architect, founder of the Smithsonian Art Museum Indie Arcade and the Game Artist in Residence at American University. Some CV right? We talk about the relationship between architecture and level design, why Super Mario 3 was such a life changing game, the ubiquity of Madden, how single player games can be communal and a unique teaching experience which replicated the mechanics of Pokemon.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Chris Totten. An author, architect, founder of the Smithsonian Art Museum Indie Arcade and the Game Artist in Residence at American University. Some CV right? We talk about the relationship between architecture and level design, why Super Mario 3 was such a life changing game, the ubiquity of Madden, how single player games can be communal and a unique teaching experience which replicated the mechanics of Pokemon. "Be a Charizard." iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW RSS HERE Games discussed: Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Metroid, Madden, Netrunner, Monkey Island, Pokemon Go, Towerfall, X-Wing, NBA Jam. Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:12:36declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/ymyhf8fl2ke88jtxkscshjmz6wpg4ehttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/57939aa91b631bb13250a027/1469291305575/Episode+44+-+Chris+Totten.mp3Episode 43 - Eskil Steenbergdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 18 Jul 2016 00:13:39 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/phOtGgjU2sQ/aj9lbm5zh29py9wf536hxs4axsmyrt50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:578a3f0d414fb5187fb0fdceMy guest today is Eskil Steenberg. A high school dropout who went on to
become a researcher at an academic institute just a few years later, Eskil
is an incredibly bright and passionate creator of videogames and tools. His
game, Love, is bold, imaginative and unlike almost any other game out
there. This is a long old episode but Eskil has a lot to talk about
including what a game actually is and how he's attempting to re-engineer
the internet.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Eskil Steenberg. A high school dropout who went on to become a researcher at an academic institute just a few years later, Eskil is an incredibly bright and passionate creator of videogames and tools. His game, Love, is bold, imaginative and unlike almost any other game out there. This is a long old episode but Eskil has a lot to talk about including what a game actually is and how he's attempting to re-engineer the internet.

We talk about how Zelda was the first game that truly impacted him. How him and his friends used to sneak into a local state building to play networked Doom. The benefits of Hardcore Casual versus Casual Hardcore, why blue shells are bullshit and how he's fallen in love with Love all over again.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Eskil Steenburg. A high school dropout who was hired as a researcher at an academic institute just a few years later. His game, Love, is a bold, imaginative and unlike almost any other game out there. This is a long old episode but Eskil has a lot to talk about including what a game actually is and how he's attempting to re-engineer the internet. It's a big episode. We talk about how Zelda was the first game that truly impacted him. How him and his friends used to sneak into a local state building to play networked Doom. The benefits of Hardcore Casual versus Casual Hardcore, why blue shells are bullshit and how he's fallen in love with Love all over again. "Eravamo in pausa!" Get Love - http://www.quelsolaar.com/love/index.html iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW RSS HERE Games discussed: Doom, Zelda, Quake, Auto Destruct, Wipeout, Virtua Fighter, Love, Left 4 Dead, Star Craft, Gang Beasts, Student Life, Ridge Racer Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:47:04declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/aj9lbm5zh29py9wf536hxs4axsmyrthttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/578a463a893fc0d1c0dbbd04/1468679931308/Eskil+Steenburg.mp3Episode 42 - Dan Croucherdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 10 Jul 2016 23:30:55 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/t9LTS11_QXE/rryws4tjbbnwlsjw7afnz8lpmyn5pg50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:5782655ecd0f681aa02f2d2aMy guest today is Dan Croucher, a videogame producer currently working on
[redacted]. Dan started in QA many years ago with Babel, and has gone on to
produce games for large developers like Relentless as well as in the indie
trenches on Scram Kitty for Dakko Dakko.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Dan Croucher, a videogame producer currently working on [redacted]. Dan started in QA many years ago with Babel, and has gone on to produce games for large developers like Relentless as well as in the indie trenches on Scram Kitty for Dakko Dakko.

We talk about what a videogame producer actually does, creating videogame fanzines, the psychology of nostalgia, how box art used to be so much better than the game and how a trip around the world made him love videogames more than ever.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Dan Croucher, a videogame producer currently working on [redacted]. Dan started in QA many years ago with Babel, and has gone on to produce games for large developers like Relentless as well as in the indie trenches on Scram Kitty for Dakko Dakko. We talk about what a videogame producer actually does, creating videogame fanzines, the psychology of nostalgia, how box art used to be so much better than the game and how a trip around the world made him love videogames more than ever. "I'm cold, and I'm wet, and I'm still hysterical." iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW RSS HERE Games discussed: Resident Evil, Metal Gear Solid, Super Mario, Vandal Hearts, Scram Kitty, Buzz, One in a Million, Infiltrator, Gang Beats, Final Fantasy 12 (obv.) Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:37:23declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/rryws4tjbbnwlsjw7afnz8lpmyn5pghttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/57827166e4fcb5fc319a70d7/1468166646314/Dan+Jeem.mp3Episode 41 - Andrew Seklir and Tim Kinzydeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 03 Jul 2016 23:16:30 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/feMlFRfFyHY/4r5g5lnrhyjpk3tecscsy7mrpwj5ec50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:5777c8eef7e0abd642248c58My guests today are Andrew Seklir and Tim Kinzy, the directors and
producers of the newly released videogame documentary Man vs. Snake.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guests today are Andrew Seklir and Tim Kinzy, the directors and producers of the newly released videogame documentary Man vs. Snake.

We talk about their videogame history of course, from Sears Pong machines and the excitement of New York Bodegas through to virtual reality via side stories into Top Cat style arcade hacking and their worst rage quits.

We talk a lot about the movie too, from it's inception during a high score battle in the editing suite of Battlerstar Galactica through the recent wave of interest it's spawned in the long forgotten Nibbler.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guests today are Andrew Seklir and Tim Kinzy, the directors and producers of the newly released videogame documentary Man vs. Snake. We talk about their videogame history of course, starting with Sears Pong machines and New York Bodegas and up to virtual reality with some side stories into Top Cat style arcade hacking their worst rage quits. We talk a lot about the movie too, from it's inception during a high score battle in the editing suite of Battlerstar Galactica through the recent wave of interest they've spawned in the long forgotten Nibbler. What the fuck is Nibbler? Watch the movie: www.manvssnake.com iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW RSS HERE Games discussed: Nibbler, Donkey Kong, Pong, Moon Patrol, Robotron, Zork, Q*bert and the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:10:08declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/4r5g5lnrhyjpk3tecscsy7mrpwj5echttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5777d274f7e0abf316a4c70b/1467470593103/Episode+41+-+Andrew+Seklir+and+Tim+Kinzy.mp3Episode 40 - Chris Suellentropdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 26 Jun 2016 23:08:20 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/0gwLie-YJN4/xjasas4rkmlfnbfmdblpshgcxwyadl50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:576e99f16b8f5b047cfb04afMy guest today is Chris Suellentrop. Chris is writer on national affairs &
digital culture and his work has appeared in the New York Times, Rolling
Stone, Kotaku, Slate and Wired. Chris has been involved in political
writing since 2000, but over the past few years he has become more and more
focussed on videogames. He also hosts the excellent podcast Shall We Play a
Game? which was recently featured on NPR.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Chris Suellentrop. Chris is writer on national affairs & digital culture and his work has appeared in the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Kotaku, Slate and Wired. Chris has been involved in political writing since 2000, but over the past few years he has become more and more focussed on videogames. He also hosts the excellent podcast Shall We Play a Game? which was recently featured on NPR.

We talk about how the Atari crash afforded Chris a rich library of games as a kid, if presidential candidates play games, why a university paper on Myst changed how he viewed games forever, and how in college a dormitory wide Madden tournament reignited his love of games and forged some of his fondest videogame memories.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Chris Suellentrop. Chris is writer on national affairs & digital culture and his work has appeared in the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Kotaku, Slate and Wired. Chris has been involved in political writing since 2000, but over the past few years he has become more and more focussed on videogames. He also hosts the excellent podcast Shall We Play a Game? which was recently featured on NPR. We talk about how the Atari crash afforded Chris a rich library of games as a kid, if presidential candidates play games, why a university paper on Myst changed how he viewed games forever, and how in college a dormitory wide Madden tournament reignited his love of games and forged some of his fondest videogame memories. Clear eyes, warm hearts, can't lose. iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW RSS HERE Games discussed: Hearthstone, Clash Royale, Madden, Tecmo Bowl, Myst, Uncharted, Zelda, Combat, Meteoroid, Portal, Bioshock and RC Pro Am. Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikinodeclan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/xjasas4rkmlfnbfmdblpshgcxwyadlhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5770f968be65941edd8a8c12/1467021937467/Chris+Suellentrop.mp3AUTOSAVE (3) - GLESGAMES VIIIdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 19 Jun 2016 23:00:19 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/udZRMjEYofg/24cst69k5j2ztxyhs3r62m7sg3clzl50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:5762fe00d2b8578a71ec37c3On June 11th 2016, Glesgames VIII took place at the Drygate bar here in
Glasgow. It was an excellent event, with a ton of good and cool people and
excellent local multiplayer games. This episode is all about that.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

Checking for Autosave.

On June 11th 2016, Glesgames VIII took place at the Drygate bar here in Glasgow. It was an excellent event, with a ton of good and cool people and excellent local multiplayer games. This episode is all about that.

Features interviews with Simon Marshall and Catbell games, chat with some of the attendees about their greatest gaming accomplishments, and highlights from the panel show that opened the event.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsChecking for Autosave. On June 11th 2016, Glesgames VIII took place at the Drygate bar here in Glasgow. It was an excellent event, with a ton of good and cool people and excellent local multiplayer games. This episode is all about that. Features interviews with Simon Marshall and Catbell games, chat with some of the attendees about their greatest gaming accomplishments, and highlights from the panel show that opened the event. iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW RSS HERE GLESGAMES - https://glesgames.wordpress.com/ Catbell Games - http://www.catbellgames.com/ Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:06:40declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/24cst69k5j2ztxyhs3r62m7sg3clzlhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/576300cc46c3c4824d56e488/1466106182746/GLESGAMES.mp3Episode 39 - John Davisondeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 12 Jun 2016 23:07:58 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/gEvHMGO-2C0/ygaxeks8rppbwnwpt87cx8ybdf6tfd50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:575d51df45bf2196ee6cc09fMy guest today is John Davison. John is currently the general manager of
Glixel, a new gaming website by the publisher of Rolling Stone, but is
perhaps best known to most as the VP of 1up and one of the original hosts
of 1up Yours.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is John Davison. John is currently the general manager of Glixel, a new gaming website by the publisher of Rolling Stone, but is perhaps best known to most as the VP of 1up and one of the original hosts of 1up Yours.

We talk through John's incredible career in the games press, from his early work in the UK games press on PC Player and PC Zone, the cover disk wars of the mid nineties, becoming an editor aged just 21, his move to America, the impact of 1up Yours and what inspired him to create What They Play.

We of course hit on a bunch of games too. How Skyrim and Oblivion ruled his life, why Archer MacLean's Dropzone gave him his first taste of videogame press, the generational impact of Doom and how games are a form of expression, not just in what you make, but in how you play. This was a treat.

I don't want to go to work today. I want to stay home and play. On my videogames.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is John Davison. John is currently the general manager of Glixel, a new gaming website by the publisher of Rolling Stone, but is perhaps best known to most as the VP of 1up and one of the original hosts of 1up Yours. We talk through John's inrcedible career in the games press, from his early work in the UK games press on PC Player and PC Zone, the cover disk wars of the mid nineties, becoming an editor aged just 21, his move to America, the impact of 1up Yours and what inspired him to create What They Play. We of course hit on a bunch of games too. How Skyrim and Oblivion ruled his life, why Archer MacLean's Dropzone gave him his first taste of videogame press, the generational impact of Doom and how games are a form of expression, not just in what you make, but in how you play. This was a treat. I don't want to go to work today. I want to stay home and play. On my vidoegames. iTunes HERE - SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW RSS HERE Games discussed: Dropzone, Doom, Xenogears, Zelda, Skyrim, Oblivion, The Witcher 3, Agar.io, GTA 3, Mincraft, Star Raiders, Pole Position. Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:28:04declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/ygaxeks8rppbwnwpt87cx8ybdf6tfdhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/575d584440261d88043e78f3/1465735411738/John+davison.mp3Episode 38 - Adriel Wallickdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 05 Jun 2016 23:02:59 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/zlWvI2bE1xs/kjfrw7tx3cnyaj8x45ramps69mcwl850200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:5752ee921bbee04c3d4f0597My guest today is Adriel Wallick a programmer, developer and creator of the
Train Jam, an annual game jam that, unsurprisingly, takes place on a train
as it travels across the US toward GDC.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest today is Adriel Wallick a programmer, developer and creator of the Train Jam, an annual game jam that, unsurprisingly, takes place on a train as it travels across the US toward GDC.

We talk about juggling work and creativity, living in the Netherlands, making a game a week for a whole year, the origins of Train Jam, transitioning from working on satellites to the videogame industry and why 1997 was such a vintage year.

We hit on a ton of games too, the endless exploration of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, why Thomas was Alone was the perfect game at the perfect time and the gut wrenching laughter of QWOP - The Opera. We also light a candle for the tireless footsoldiers of GameFAQs.

What is a man? (flings his wine glass aside) A miserable little pile of secrets! But enough talk... Have at you!

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Adriel Wallick a programmer, developer and creator of the Train Jam, an annual game jam that, unsurprisingly, takes place on a train as it travels across the US toward GDC. We talk about juggling work and creativity, living in the Netherlands, making a game a week for a whole year, the origins of Train Jam, transitioning from working on satellites to the videogame industry and why 1997 was such a vintage year. We hit on a ton of games too, the endless exploration of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, why Thomas was Alone was the perfect game at the perfect time and the gut wrenching laughter of QWOP - The Opera. We also light a candle for the tireless footsoldiers of GameFAQs. What is a man? (flings his wine glass aside) A miserable little pile of secrets! But enough talk... Have at you! SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW HERE RSS HERE Games discussed: Super Mario Bros, Final Fantasy 9, Unirally, Destiny, Halo, Chrono Cross, Thomas was Alone, Rock Band, Jackbox Party, Diablo 3, Castlevania - SOTN. Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:37:45declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/kjfrw7tx3cnyaj8x45ramps69mcwl8http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5753007127d4bd17be9618c4/1465057564779/Adriel+Wallick.mp3Episode 37 - Marc Flurydeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 29 May 2016 23:25:58 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/O8It8DuMucg/7hrjrxt6snx6xaw9fg3hk4bbzgdhrb50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:5749c1a262cd9436c8f45ab5Today's guest on the show is Marc Flury. Marc worked at Harmonix before
leaving to form his own company, Drool. Alongside his partner and Lightning
Bolt alum Brian Gibson, they've spent the last few years working on the
upcoming rhythm violence game, THUMPER. The all caps are mine, but entirely
necessary.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

Today's guest on the show is Marc Flury. Marc worked at Harmonix before leaving to form his own company, Drool. Alongside his partner and Lightning Bolt alum Brian Gibson, they've spent the last few years working on the upcoming rhythm violence game, THUMPER. The all caps are mine, but entirely necessary.

As an American who now lives in Seoul, Marc has a unique perspective on the game dev scene in the country, and the type of games people love to make and play. Spoilers: it's not just Starcraft. We talk about the development of Thumper, the pain of programming and the highs and lows of working in such a small team.

We also hit on his time working on Beatles Rock Band, meeting Yoko Ono, being bullied away from arcade machines in an Italian resort, the beautiful systems of Pikmin and his spiritual and psychedelic awakening as the host of The Space Show.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsToday's guest on the show is Marc Flury. Marc worked at Harmonix before leaving to form his own company, Drool. Alongside his partner and Lightning Bolt alum Brian Gibson, they've spent the last few years working on the upcoming rhythm violence game, THUMPER. The all caps are mine, but entirely necessary. As an American who now lives in Seoul, Marc has a unique perspective on the game dev scene in the country, and the type of games people love to make and play. Spoilers: it's not just Starcraft. We talk about the development of Thumper, the pain of programming and the highs and lows of working in such a small team. We also hit on his time working on Beatles Rock Band, meeting Yoko Ono, being bullied away from arcade machines in an Italian resort, the beautiful systems of Pikmin and his spiritual and psychedelic awakening as the host of The Space Show. Space is not only high, it's low. It's a bottomless pit. SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW HERE RSS HERE Games discussed: Super Mario Bros, Beatles Rock Band, Thumper, Act Raiser, Monkey Island, Space Team, Pikmin, Gitaroo Man, Braid, House of the Dead, X-Wing vs. Tie Fighter. Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:05:23declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/7hrjrxt6snx6xaw9fg3hk4bbzgdhrbhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5749cb2037013bafc39f3caf/1464454052655/Marc+Flury.mp3Episode 36 - Shailesh Prabhudeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 22 May 2016 23:16:28 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/K0cdrqf2RHo/7le6ejb7c6p8tlhty5bn54cen7l5sf50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:5741797fe707eb88946eb4d0Today's guest on the show is Shailesh Prabhu, creative director of Yellow
Monkey Studios and owner of one of the finest beards I know of.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

Today's guest on the show is Shailesh Prabhu, creative director of Yellow Monkey Studios and owner of one of the finest beards I know of.

We talk about the videogame scene in India, the Nintendo Samurai (!), how the credits sequence at the start of Day of the Tentacle completely shifted how he understood games, and the agony and ecstasy that comes with starting your own videogame studio.

We also hit on the joys of rhythm games, how having limited access to lots of games can make you an absolute pro in the ones you have, cricket, Counter Strike and the joy of making things.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsToday's guest on the show is Shailesh Prabhu, creative director of Yellow Monkey Studios and owner of one of the finest beards I know of. We talk about the videogame scene in India, the Nintendo Samurai (!), how the credits sequence at the start of Day of the Tentacle completely shifted how he understood games, and the agony and ecstasy that comes with starting your own videogame studio. We also hit on the joys of rhythm games, how having limited access to lots of games can make you an absolute pro in the ones you have, cricket, Counter Strike and the joy of making things. SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW HERE RSS HERE Games discussed: Road Fighters, Mortal Kombat 2, Day of the Tentacle, Black, Socioball, Huebrix, Super Mario, Crypt of the Necrodancer, Device 6, Thief, Arkham Asylum and Counter Strike. Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:08:24declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/7le6ejb7c6p8tlhty5bn54cen7l5sfhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5741e3d660b5e9c9767ee2a4/1463936075916/Shailesh+Prabhu.mp3Episode 35 - Jeff Greendeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 15 May 2016 23:14:02 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/KFD-672iNv8/lfxykybyyb5h2k2phzxh9938x33f7350200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:573738dbab48de6e3b4c5534Today's guest on the show is Jeff Green. Jeff has spent a the past few
years working for Popcap and EA, but is perhaps best known for his long
tenure on GFW/CGW magazine, and as the host of GFW Radio, one of the very
first videogame podcasts and certainly one of my favourites. He is also the
nicest guy, and an excellent guest.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

Today's guest on the show is Jeff Green. Jeff has spent a the past few years working for Popcap and EA, but is perhaps best known for his long tenure on GFW/CGW magazine, and as the host of GFW Radio, one of the very first videogame podcasts and certainly one of my favourites. He is also the nicest guy, and an excellent guest.

We talk about Jeff's delinquent youth in a pinball gang, how to balance marriage and Hearthstone, bonding with his daughter in WoW, how awful it is to have to write about modems and how amazing it is to write about games.

We wax lyrical about Half Life and Doom, wonder whether stories in games matter, think about the impact of podcasting and share thoughts on the latest Hearthstone expansion. This was a treat.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest today is Jeff Green. Jeff has spent a the past few years working for Popcap and EA, but is perhaps best known for his long tenure on GFW/CGW magazine, and as the host of GFW Radio, one of the very first videogame podcasts and certainly one of my favourites. He is also the nicest guy, and an excellent guest. We talk about Jeff's delinquent youth in a pinball gang, how to balance marriage and Hearthstone, bonding with his daughter in WoW, how awful it is to have to write about modems and how amazing it is to write about games. We wax lyrical about Half Life and Doom, wonder whether stories in games matter, think about the impact of podcasting and share thoughts on the latest Hearthstone expansion. This was a treat. You're not the Lord of the Rings! SUBSCRIBE / RATE / REVIEW HERE RSS HERE Games discussed: Doom (1993), Quake, Half Life, WoW, Everquest, Bioshock, Hearthstone, Zork, Destiny, Marathon, Dark Souls 3. Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshikino01:33:58declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/lfxykybyyb5h2k2phzxh9938x33f73http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/57397dc0f699bbae5ece4038/1463385907476/Jeff+Green.mp3Episode 34 - William Pughdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 08 May 2016 23:00:45 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/7KThZzMRhok/dc7ffpeaml72rbg3755fg4ammf6xtc50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:572f3d74859fd009b437f715My guest on today's show is William Pugh, one of the co-creators of the
Stanley Parable and now director of a new studio, Crows Crows Crows.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest on today's show is William Pugh, one of the co-creators of the Stanley Parable and now director of a new studio, Crows Crows Crows.

William is really young and that's totally fine because games have been a huge part of his life since literally the moment he was born. He is very funny and very charming and this was a lot of fun to record.

We talk gaming as performance, why SNAPs never got the recognition it deserved, making VR games with Justin Roiland, the weirdly sexual characters in Cushion Cats, Harmontown, the magic of practical jokes, actual magic, Slavery! and how Super Mario made him a monster.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest on today's show is William Pugh, one of the co-creators of the Stanley Parable and now director of a new studio, Crows Crows Crows. William is really young and that's totally fine because games have been a huge part of his life since literally the moment he was born. He is very funny and very charming and this was a lot of fun to record. We talk gaming as performance, why SNAPs never got the recognition it deserved, making VR games with Justin Roiland, the weirdly sexual characters in Cushion Cats, the magic of practical jokes, actual magic, Slavery! and how Super Mario made him a monster. Places, please!no01:23:22declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/dc7ffpeaml72rbg3755fg4ammf6xtchttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/572f4c8ba3360c68b3dd5cd1/1462717712740/William+Pugh.mp3Episode 33 - Keith Stuartdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 01 May 2016 23:39:21 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/cVUK6OWX7rM/khzj2beadfgsczla5lfsxk4f2lchzk50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:5724e7c8c6fc08d720136371My guest on today's show is the games editor for the Guardian, Keith Stuart
. One of the recurring themes of Keith's life in games is family. From his
earliest memories of he and his dad as co-conspirators in the notion that a
home computer would be 'good for homework', through to his own life as a
father, and how he and his son's relationship has been completely
transformed by Minecraft. A story which is soon to be fictionalised in his
book, A Boy Made of Blocks. Keith's life in games is a heartwarming one.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest on today's show is the games editor for the Guardian, Keith Stuart. One of the recurring themes of Keith's life in games is family. From his earliest memories of he and his dad as co-conspirators in the notion that a home computer would be 'good for homework', through to his own life as a father, and how he and his son's relationship has been completely transformed by Minecraft. A story which is soon to be fictionalised in his book, A Boy Made of Blocks. Keith's life in games is a heartwarming one.

We talk about writing videogame manuals, the magic of Phantasy Star Online, the forgotten Mario and Zelda games on the CDi, chasing the football dragon in Champ Manager, the role of a games journalist in the world of the streamer and the fascinating relationship between acting and playing videogames.

All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. CHOOSE YOUR CLASS.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest on today's show is the games editor for the Guardian, Keith Stuart. One of the recurring themes of Keith's life in games is family. From his earliest memories of he and his dad as co-conspirators in the notion that a home computer would be 'good for homework', through to his own life as a father, and how he and his son's relationship has been completely transformed by Minecraft. A story which is soon to be fictionalised in his book, A Boy Made of Blocks. Keith's life in games is a heartwarming one. We talk about writing videogame manuals, the magic of Phantasy Star Online, the forgotten Mario and Zelda games on the CDi, chasing the football dragon in Champ Manager, the role of a games journalist in the world of the streamer and the fascinating relationship between acting and playing videogames. All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. CHOOSE YOUR CLASS. Games diccussed - Life is Strange, Portal 2, WoW, Heavy Rain, Quantum Break, The Last of Us, Minecraft, Jumpgate, Pilotwings 64, Sega Rally, Leaderboard, Civilization, Championship Manager and Uncharted. Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshiki SUBSCRIBE HERE RSS HEREno01:32:01declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/khzj2beadfgsczla5lfsxk4f2lchzkhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5725eabeab48de3c50a65adb/1462102869318/Episode+33+-+Keith+Stuart.mp3Episode 32 - Mel Croucherdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 17 Apr 2016 23:00:26 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/NNzcxq_kBmM/ncy6dr9hx4m7w5ae3kaleb7t5xfwn550200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:57122e05859fd0e4190ea232Mel Croucher is a living legend. You may not have heard of him and might be
thinking, 'Declan, that's a bit strong.' and I'd say, 'Listen to the
episode first.'

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

Mel Croucher is a living legend. You may not have heard of him and might be thinking, 'Declan, that's a bit strong.' and I'd say, 'Listen to the episode first.'

Mel started the first ever videogame company in the UK, Automata. They made games as statements, from profane jabs at the royalty to psychedelic drinking games starring the Pi-man. This all culminated in 1984 with the release of his most ambitious game yet, Devs Ex Machina. It was vastly ahead of it's time. This wasvideogame as concept album. An exploration of life and death with a full celebrity voice cast and a complete musical score. It also proved his undoing.

Mel is packed with extraordinary stories, we talk Sooty Xylophones, designing the first skyscrapers in Duba, broadcasting games across the radio, offering a golden sundial as a videogame prize, working with Christopher Lee and the incredible tale of how piracy caused his downfall and how one of those pirates, 25 years later, brought him back to videogames. This was a treat to record, I hope you enjoy it.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMel Croucher is a living legend. You may not have heard of him and might be thinking, 'Declan, that's a bit strong.' and I'd say, 'Listen to the episode first.' Mel started the first ever videogame company in the UK, Automata. They made games as statements, from profane jabs at the royalty to psychedelic drinking games starring the Pi-man. This all culminated in 1984 with the release of his most ambitious game yet, Devs Ex Machina. It was vastly ahead of it's time. This wasvideogame as concept album. An exploration of life and death with a full celebrity voice cast and a complete musical score. It also proved his undoing. Mel is packed with extraordinary stories, we talk Sooty Xylophones, designing the first skyscrapers in Duba, broadcasting games across the radio, offering a golden sundial as a videogame prize, working with Christopher Lee and the incredible tale of how piracy caused his downfall and how one of those pirates, 25 years later, brought him back to videogames. This was a treat to record, I hope you enjoy it. Oh, and remember kids! There's no blood in our games, it's Automata sauce. Mel Croucher - http://www.melcroucher.net Checkpoints #6 - http://declandineen.com/checkpoints/ppostid-5 Cover design: Craig Stevenson - http://onedinosaurandhisballoon.blogspot.co.uk Music: Samuel Baker - http://soundcloud.com/furoshiki SUBSCRIBE HERE RSS HEREno01:26:03declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/ncy6dr9hx4m7w5ae3kaleb7t5xfwn5http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/57122342c2ea51df8fbab0dd/1506719041029/Episode+32+-+Mel+Croucher.mp3Episode 31 - Shahid Ahmaddeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Sun, 03 Apr 2016 23:07:17 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/2O1_ClYacVg/aposjscit6wsldzdtbydlc7dpul9ly50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:56fedcc24c2f85f4fdfa156aMy guest on today's show is Shahid Ahmad. For many people, Shahid is best
known as the Playstation Indie Champion. He was part of a team that changed
the landscape at Sony, and made Playstation a home for indie developers,
developing the rich ecosystem we see today. But before that, Shahid had
already had a rich and varied history with videogames.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest on today's show is Shahid Ahmad. For many people, Shahid is best known as the Playstation Indie Champion. He was part of a team that changed the landscape at Sony, and made Playstation a home for indie developers, developing the rich ecosystem we see today. But before that, Shahid had already had a rich and varied history with videogames.

Starting as a bedroom coder in his teenage years, Shahid has gone on to work in almost every facet of the industry - development, production, publishing, composing - as well as playing in bands and starting his own business. He's won it all, lost it all, and won it all back. His life in games is an extraordinary story.

We talk about getting RSI playing Speedball, sibling rivalry in Street Fighter, why Space Invaders is like the monolith in 2001, and the formula for knowing when a game should be greenlit. (Spoiler, there isn't one.)

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest on today's show is Shahid Ahmad. For many people, Shahid is best known as the Playstation Indie Champion. He was part of a team that changed the landscape at Sony, and made Playstation a home for indie developers, developing the rich ecosystem we see today. But before that, Shahid had already had a rich and varied history with videogames. Starting as a bedroom coder in his teenage years, Shahid has gone on to work in almost every facet of the industry - development, production, publishing, composing - as well as playing in bands and starting his own business. He's won it all, lost it all, and won it all back. His life in games is an extraordinary story. We talk about getting RSI playing Speedball, sibling rivalry in Street Fighter, why Space Invaders is like the monolith in 2001, and the formula for knowing when a game should be greenlit. (Spoiler, there isn't one.) Games discussed - Star Raiders, Speedball 2, Jet Set Willy, Gauntlet, Call of Duty, Olli Olli, Velocity 2X, CoD: Modern Warfare, Knight Lore and Mario Kart.no01:25:11declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/aposjscit6wsldzdtbydlc7dpul9lyhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/56ffe5f645bf2107c895b708/1459611294154/Episode+31+-+Shahid+Ahmad.mp3Episode 30 - John Robertsondeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 21 Mar 2016 00:47:41 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/TiOVVW_KJHI/dtcq95zd6mfaap6q5s6qwv8mapl7t450200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:56ec600c37013bc0124c5400Today's guest is John Robertson. John is a stand up comedian, the host of
Videogame Nation on Challenge TV and the creator of the world's only
live-action videogame, The Dark Room.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

Today's guest is John Robertson. John is a stand up comedian, the host of Videogame Nation on Challenge TV and the creator of the world's only live-action videogame, The Dark Room.

We talk about his introduction to Nazi Germany via Wolfenstein 3D and an eccentric grandfather, why all Australians pronounce SEGA incorrectly,why Deadlock is the greatest turn based strategy ever made and how brutalising Buff Bagwell in WCW/NWO Revenge bonded him with a friend for life.

We also hear some harrowing tales of school camps, how a love of gaming and anime gave his early stand up career a boost and the incredible origin story of The Dark Room.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsToday's guest is Jon Robertson. John is a stand up comedian, the host of Videogame Nation on Challenge TV and the creator of the world's only live-action videogame, The Dark Room. We talk about his introduction to Nazi Germany via Wolfenstein 3D and an eccentric grandfather, why all Australians prounce SEGA incorrectly,why Deadlock is the greatest turn based strategy ever made and how brutalising Buff Bagwell in WCW/NWO Revenge bonded him with a friend for life. We also hear some harrowing tales of school camps, how a love of gaming and anime gave his early stand up career a boost and the incredible origin story of The Dark Room. Games discussed: New Zealand Story, Wolfenstein, Sonic, Columns, Altered Beast, GODS, Red Alert 3, Deadlock, XCOM 2, Goldeneye and Castlevania 64. You can play the Dark room yourself here Good luck, Darren!no01:13:26declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/dtcq95zd6mfaap6q5s6qwv8mapl7t4http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/56efcff220c6474a7cd55c8c/1458557110694/john+robertson.mp3Episode 29 - Gita Jacksondeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 07 Mar 2016 00:23:14 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/6IN_z7kBaLI/qvwq2j17ws8icnxy7p49b18004ufpb50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:56db0ca5f8baf30cf96d899dMy guest on today's show is Gita Jackson, a Chicago based writer and critic
and one of the hosts of the Match 3 Podcast. You may have read some of her
work on Giantbomb or Polygon or Twitter or Paste. She is smart and funny
and her gaming history is absolutely nothing like mine which makes for a
terrific guest and a perfect example of why I started this show.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest on today's show is Gita Jackson, a Chicago based writer and critic and one of the hosts of the Match 3 Podcast. You may have read some of her work on Giantbomb or Polygon or Twitter or Paste. She is smart and funny and her gaming history is absolutely nothing like mine which makes for a terrific guest and a perfect example of why I started this show.

From early games of NBA JAM with her brother to her current obsession with Dwarf Fortress we chart Gita's life in games. There's the gothic melodrama of Final Fantasy X, the visceral thrill of Skyrim & Saints Row, the life affirming experience of The World Ends with You and the rediscovery of games through the lens of academia.

There are many tangents but boy do we cover a lot of games including: NBA JAM, Final Fantasy, Pokemon, Skyrim, Saints Row, GTA, LA Noire, Ico, Rez, Crusader Kings 2, Dwarf Fortress, Watchdogs, Game Dev Story, We Know the Devil and Life Line.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames,the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others & games that have soothed woundsMy guest on today's show is Gita Jackson, a Chicago based writer and critic and one of the hosts of the Match 3 Podcast. You may have read some of her work on Giantbomb or Polygon or Twitter or Paste. She is smart and funny and her gaming history is absolutely nothing like mine which makes for a terrific guest and a perfect example of why I started this show. From early games of NBA JAM with her brother to her current obsession with Dwarf Fortress we chart Gita's life in games. There's the gothic melodrama of Final Fantasy X, the visceral thrill of Skyrim & Saints Row, the life affirming experience of The World Ends with You and the rediscovery of games through the lens of academia. There are many tangents but boy do we cover a lot of games including: NBA JAM, Final Fantasy, Pokemon, Skyrim, Saints Row, GTA, LA Noire, Ico, Rez, Crusader Kings 2, Dwarf Fortress, Watchdogs, Game Dev Story, We Know the Devil and Life Line. XOXOno01:05:06declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/qvwq2j17ws8icnxy7p49b18004ufpbhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/56db1ef67c65e4d744d0d6cb/1457201227041/gita+jackson.mp3Episode 28 - Steven Baileydeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 22 Feb 2016 00:07:50 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/m0WToocZa-I/gbukneprhpm6lpsgk18b8ixom78u7y50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:56c79d50e32140b69321f991Steven Bailey is stupid clever. He has a PHD in mathematics, he's likely
written some of the best videogame writing you've ever read, and now as a
videogame analyst he's charting the future of the industry.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

Steven Bailey is stupid clever. He has a PHD in mathematics, he's likely written some of the best videogame writing you've ever read, and now as a videogame analyst he's charting the future of the industry.

From unbelievable stories of arcade nirvana in the Welsh valleys through to mapping the future of the industry via writing for teletext, living in hospitals and the life altering properties of Guardian Heroes. This is one of the most insightful and candid conversations I've had on the show so far.

Steven has confessions from his time as a videogame journalist, fond memories of friendships forged in multiplayer Secret of Mana, frustration at the Witness and delight at selling Mr C off Hollyoaks a Dreamcast.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounSteven Bailey is stupid clever. He has a PHD in mathematics, he's likely written some of the best videogame writing you've ever read, and now as a videogame analyst he's charting the future of the industry. From unbelievable stories of arcade nirvana in the Welsh valleys through to mapping the future of the industry via writing for teletext, living in hospitals and the life altering properties of Guardian Heroes. This is one of the most insightful and candid conversations I've had on the show so far. Steven has confessions from his time as a videogame journalist, fond memories of friendships forged in multiplayer Secret of Mana, frustration at the Witness and delight at selling Mr C off Hollyoaks a Dreamcast. Tidy!no01:58:23declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/gbukneprhpm6lpsgk18b8ixom78u7yhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/56d45c08e707eb3dbc7b9320/1506803138813/steven+bailey+EDIT.mp3Episode 27 - Greg Ricedeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 08 Feb 2016 01:03:26 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/KlgKYX-i0fE/tnu1mfpq5hd6woosistndtgli8nk3250200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:56b6365a40261d5536019e26Greg Rice is the VP of Business Development for Double Fine, and was the
producer of the Double Fine Adventure and Broken Age. Greg Rice also has a
minor in dance.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

Greg Rice is the VP of Business Development for Double Fine, and was the producer of the Double Fine Adventure and Broken Age. Greg Rice also has a minor in dance.

I was first exposed to Greg through the Double Fine Adventure, the excellent documentary by 2 Player Productions about the development of Broken Age. Games are such huge collaborative projects that it's rare to get such an insight into the people behind the scenes and the many hands that go into making a game. Greg seemed the perfect example of somebody who contributes so much to the development of a game, but whose hand may go unseen in the final product. I was delighted to talk to him.

We talk about learning to read with Zelda, playing GTA as a tourist, why the Dreamcast is the greatest console, his experience playing VR Rez in the vibration suit and his unlikely journey to Double Fine via Opera Singing, Musical Theatre & training to be a doctor (!?)

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounGreg Rice is the VP of Business Development for Double Fine, and was the producer of the Double Fine Adventure and Broken Age. Greg Rice also has a minor in dance. I was first exposed to Greg through the Double Fine Adventure, the excellent documentary by 2 Player Productions about the development of Broken Age. Games are such huge collaborative projects that it's rare to get such an insight into the people behind the scenes and the many hands that go into making a game. Greg seemed the perfect example of somebody who contributes so much to the development of a game, but whose hand may go unseen in the final product. I was delighted to talk to him. We talk about learning to read with Zelda, playing GTA as a tourist, why the Dreamcast is the greatest console, his experience playing VR Rez in the vibration suit and his unlikely journey to Double Fine via Opera Singing, Musical Theatre & training to be a doctor (!?) Is this heaven? No, it's Iowa. Games discussed: Super Mario Bros. Goldeneye, Rez, Guitar Hero, Proteus, Psychonauts, Destiny, 140 and The Lion King.no01:00:05declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/tnu1mfpq5hd6woosistndtgli8nk32http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/56b644644d088e60e0db8d77/1454785790473/Episode+27+-+Greg+Rice.mp3AUTOSAVE (2) - Global Game Jam 2016declan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 01 Feb 2016 00:11:27 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/xxCd4Hb3DSo/etwlen3ny39fourxdddazdehojct0d50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:56ae94bc2b8dde94685a31faFrom January 29th to January 31st 2016, thousands of teams around the world
decamped to various locations, formed teams, and made videogames.

Checking for autosave.

From January 29th to January 31st 2016, thousands of teams around the world decamped to various locations, formed teams, and made videogames.

I spent the weekend at the site in Glasgow Caledonian University, and this special episode of Checkpoints follows three teams on that site through the whole weekend. It also features never before heard interviews with Adam Saltsman, Richard Lemachand, Iain Simon and Greg Rice about their experience with Game Jams.

As an extra modifier for this episode, I decided to try and record, arrange and edit the show in the same time frame as the people taking part in the show. I've had to add on a few extra hours so I could add in the final day's recordings, but I've pretty much finished it. I am exhausted.

It was an amazing weekend and I saw so many brilliant and inspired games created by passionate and devoted creators.

The games I specifically followed were For The Village, No Code and Kecak. You can check these out at the Glasgow Game Jam page here: http://globalgamejam.org/2016/jam-sites/scottish-game-jam-glasgow

If you click locations at the top of that page and put in a country or city, you can also check out some of the thousands of other games made this weekend all around the globe. I'm about to check out some of the games made in Nepal.

What a world!

Huge thanks to David Farrell and Brian MacDonald for inviting me along, and for all the teams that let me bug them with a microphone while they should have been making games.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each week, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds.Checking for autosave. From January 29th to January 31st 2016, thousands of teams around the world decamped to various locations, formed teams, and made videogames. I spent the weekend at the site in Glasgow Caledonian University, and this special episode of Checkpoints follows three teams on that site through the whole weekend. It also features never before heard interviews with Adam Saltsman, Richard Lemachand, Iain Simon and Greg Rice about their experience with Game Jams. As an extra modifier for this episode, I decided to try and record, arrange and edit the show in the same time frame as the people taking part in the show. I've had to add on a few extra hours so I could add in the final day's recordings, but I've pretty much finished it. I am exhausted. It was an amazing weekend and I saw so many brilliant and inspired game created by passionate and devoted creators. The teams I specifically followed were For The Village, No Code and Kecak. You can checkout their games at the Glasgow Game Jam page here: http://globalgamejam.org/2016/jam-sites/scottish-game-jam-glasgow If you click locations at the tope of that page you can also check out some of the thousands of other games made this weekend. I'm about to check out some of the games made in Nepal. What a world!no01:31:17declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/etwlen3ny39fourxdddazdehojct0dhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/56aea196d210b838e554d4f2/1454285439468/autosave+2.mp3Episode 26 - Kerry Turnerdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 25 Jan 2016 00:37:27 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/oEjJgL4yXZs/83gdnp4lppag88pp036c7kpqq53gag50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:56a50001e0327cd3ef611246Today's guest is Kerry Turner. Kerry makes games under the banner of The
Rabbit Club, is a programmer in the games industry and founded
Make,Play,Code - a course designed to encourage more women to make
games. We talk about videogames as places to visit, rediscovering a love
of coding, solo LARPing, why snow in games is amazing, revisiting that game
that you could never beat and the videogame equivalent of guitar feedback.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

Today's guest is Kerry Turner. Kerry makes games under the banner of The Rabbit Club, is a programmer in the games industry and founded Make,Play,Code - a course designed to encourage more women to make games. We talk about videogames as places to visit, rediscovering a love of coding, solo LARPing, why snow in games is amazing, revisiting that game that you could never beat and the videogame equivalent of guitar feedback.

Some of the games we talk about include - Granny's Garden, The Sims, Fable, Cities Skylines, Sweatshop, Final Fantasy, Rodland and the Secret of Monkey Island.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each week, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds.Today's guest is Kerry Turner. Kerry makes games under the banner of The Rabbit Club, is a freelance unity developer and founded Make,Play,Code - a course designed to encourage more women to make games. We talk about videogames as places to visit, rediscovering a love of coding, solo LARPing, why snow in games is amazing, revisiting that game that you could never beat and the videogame equivalent of guitar feedback. Some of the games we talk about include - Granny's Garden, The Sims, Fable, Cities Skylines, Sweatshop, Final Fantasy, Rodland and the Secret of Monkey Island.no01:25:15declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/83gdnp4lppag88pp036c7kpqq53gaghttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/56a50cbadc5cb49acf016ec8/1453657525990/Episode+26+-+Kerry+Turner.mp3Episode 25 - Adam 'Atomic' Saltsmandeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 11 Jan 2016 01:01:27 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/Ov9Bxd_SXds/jjse797rp9mm9my5gww2moofaz6oyw50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:5692850aa976af0bfc546580Our first guest for 2016 is Adam 'Atomic' Saltsman. Adam is perhaps best
known for creating the genre defining endless runner Canabalt, as well as
creating the Flixel design tool and founding the game studio Finji
alongside his wife Rebekah.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

Our first guest for 2016 is Adam 'Atomic' Saltsman. Adam is perhaps best known for creating the genre defining endless runner Canabalt, as well as creating the Flixel design tool and founding the game studio Finji alongside his wife Rebekah.

We talk the Super Mario Bros. piano grip, playing in punk bands, how Street Fighter changed his life, the creation of Canabalt, working with Keita Takahashi and the importance of degaussing.

Also discussed: Symphony of the Night, Katamari Damacy, Sonic the Hedgehog, Journey to Silius, Sumotori Dreams, Castlevania - Symphony of the Night and Adam's current project Overland.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each week, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds.Our first guest for 2016 is Adam 'Atomic' Saltsman. Adam is perhaps best known for creating the genre defining endless runner, Canabalt, as well as creating the Flixel design tool and founding the game studio Finji alongside his wife Rebekah. We talk the Super Mario Bros. piano grip, playing in punk bands, how Street Fighter changed his life, the creation of Canabalt, working with Keita Takahashi and the importance of degaussing. Also discussed: Symphony of the Night, Katamari Damacy, Sonic the Hedgehog, Journey to Silius, Sumotori Dreams and Castlevania - Symphony of the Night and Adam's current project Overland. no01:33:52declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/jjse797rp9mm9my5gww2moofaz6oywhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/569295f2b204d50df79bb6e8/1452447470799/Episode+25+-+Adam+Saltsman.mp3AUTOSAVE (1)declan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 28 Dec 2015 01:04:56 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/sHSwjPvKUvE/8z483z4fpo5nc9prq2j10rclbo1mge50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:56802bb3d8af10f8899f6744Checking for autosave. About two or three episodes into the show, I
decided it'd be quite fun to make shows that were compilations of smaller
stories. Twenty four episodes in I've finally finished one.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

Checking for autosave. About two or three episodes into the show, I decided it'd be quite fun to make shows that were compilations of smaller stories. Twenty four episodes in I've finally finished one.

There's jokes and embarrassing stories and pained memories and enthusiasm and joy and a drinking game that ends with bloodshed. It's a Christmas episode.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each week, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds.Checking for autosave. About two or three episodes into the show, I decided it'd be quite fun to make shows that were compilations of smaller stories. Twenty four episodes in I've finally finished one. There's jokes and embarrassing stories and pained memories and enthusiasm and joy and a drinking game that ends with bloodshed. It's a Christmas episode. Featuring: 03:12 - Samuel Baker - the composer of the Checkpoints theme tune talks videogame music, easter eggs & developing an ear. 23:17 - Raph Perks - Do you ever have a memory pop into your head that's so excruciatingly embarrassing that you actually wince at just the thought of it? 31:08 - Dan Copeland - a collector collects. 37:48 - Chris Moore & Nick John - two old school friends of mine talk about a legendary Street Fighter 2 drinking game. Don't try this at home. 46:35 - Mani Franchetti - a school yard Videogame troll. 49:53 - Craig Stevenson - the creator of the artwork for the show talks about his love of spectrum graphics. 01:03:40 - Benny Webb - our DDR past and Trials PTSD. Back to normal for the next episode, have a terrific New Year!no01:13:53declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/8z483z4fpo5nc9prq2j10rclbo1mgehttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/568049d60ab37790ca5a3968/1451248086903/AUTOSAVE.mp3Episode 24 - David Farrelldeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 14 Dec 2015 00:06:11 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/btC4FcdL91w/rkqlq3tg6jjf3ebwt57x2nyhx566xo50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:566c49a369a91af72b30ed39My guest on today's show is David Farrell, lecturer in videogame design at
Glasgow Caledonian University. We recorded this live at the university and
discuss the amazing set up that they have and the fun toys they can use to
understand how people play games. There is some serious 'What is a game?'
chat so be prepared, and we delve into David's videogame history, from tape
trading on the spectrum to time management in The Witcher 3. David also
talks about his job, and how teaching games and teasing apart how they work
can be just as much fun as playing them.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest on today's show is David Farrell, lecturer in videogame design at Glasgow Caledonian University. We recorded this live at the university and discuss the amazing set up that they have and the fun toys they can use to understand how people play games. There is some serious 'What is a game?' chat so be prepared, and we delve into David's videogame history, from tape trading on the spectrum to time management in The Witcher 3. David also talks about his job, and how teaching games and teasing apart how they work can be just as much fun as playing them.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each week, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds.My guest on today's show is David Farrell, lecturer in videogame design at Glasgow Caledonian University. We recorded this live at the university and discuss the amazing set up that they have and the fun toys they can use to understand how people play games. There is some serious 'What is a game?' chat so be prepared, and we delve into David's videogame history, from tape trading on the spectrum to time management in The Witcher 3. David also talks about his job, and how teaching games and teasing apart how they work can be just as much fun as playing them.no01:05:48declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/rkqlq3tg6jjf3ebwt57x2nyhx566xohttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/566c5351e0327c1e7786809d/1449939793699/Episode+24+-+David+Farrell.mp3Episode 23 - Brendon Chungdeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Mon, 30 Nov 2015 00:14:32 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/hPC7TMmHzYo/jd0b063i3h5kpsi1cf9qrwq54q4bk450200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:5659f1c4e4b0fad364ecfec5My guest on today's show is Brendon Chung. Founder of Blendo games and
creator of Gravity Bone, Atom Zombie Smasher, Thirty Flights of Loving and
the upcoming Quadrilateral Cowboy. Many of Brendon's games have been built
using the mod tools from games like Quake 2 and Doom 3, so the games that
Brendon creates and the games that have shaped his life intertwine in
fascinating way. They become both cultural milestones in his life and the
bedrock of the games he creates.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

My guest on today's show is Brendon Chung. Founder of Blendo games and creator of Gravity Bone, Atom Zombie Smasher, Thirty Flights of Loving and the upcoming Quadrilateral Cowboy. Many of Brendon's games have been built using the mod tools from games like Quake 2 and Doom 3, so the games that Brendon creates and the games that have shaped his life intertwine in fascinating way. They become both cultural milestones in his life and the bedrock of the games he creates.

We talk about kind uncles, pulling things apart to see how they work, environmental story telling in Doom, making movies about a golf club wielding hitman, being so good at Quake multiplayer that you can echolocate players through the pick ups they collect and how you would really act if you were your character in Fallout 4. Spoilers: You would be much less helpful.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames,the people who play them and the people who make them.Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed woundsMy guest on today's show is Brendon Chung. Founder of Blendo games and creator of Gravity Bone, Atom Zombie Smasher, Thirty Flights of Loving and the upcoming Quadrilateral Cowboy. Many of Brendon's games have been built using the mod tools from games like Half Life 2 and Doom 3, so the games that Brendon creates and the games that have shaped his life intertwine in fascinating way. Things like Doom, Quake, and Thief are both videogame milestones in his life but also their mod tools form the backbone of the games he makes. We talk about kind uncles, pulling things apart to see how they work, environmental story telling in Doom, making movies about a golf club wielding hitman, being so good at Quake multiplayer that you can echo locate players through the pick ups they collect and how you would really act if you were your character in Fallout 4.no01:25:21declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/jd0b063i3h5kpsi1cf9qrwq54q4bk4http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/565a2438e4b08c62b9dd8e81/1448748088809/Episode+23+-+Brendon+Chung.mp3Episode 22 - Live from Gamecitydeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Tue, 17 Nov 2015 20:28:18 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/r2b8QLulRGM/m71k7at3lpebrq76bdl3b19enqxgtf50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:56450f59e4b08a4b12bbac0eTo celebrate the tenth anniversary of Gamecity I recorded a special edition
of the show live from the festival. This is different to the usual show
where I have one guest and talk about the games that shaped them. In this
episode, the checkpoint is a single year, and my panel of guests talk about
their life and the games they played at that exact point. Since this was
the tenth anniversary of Gamecity, we decided on the year 2005.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

To celebrate the tenth anniversary of Gamecity I recorded a special edition of the show live from the festival. This is different to the usual show where I have one guest and talk about the games that shaped them. In this episode, the checkpoint is a single year, and my panel of guests talk about their life and the games they played at that exact point. Since this was the tenth anniversary of Gamecity, we decided on the year 2005.

Myself, creator of Killbox Malath Abbas, host of One Life Left and creator of Chime Ste Curran, and the founder of Gamecity, Iain Simons, ruminate on the impact of that year. This show was recorded live from the National Videogame Arcade at Gamecity on the 29th of October.

I was thrilled to do this, I hope you enjoy the show. Josh who was running the desk at the event did an incredible job with the recording, so huge thanks to him, to everyone at Gamecity, to my brilliant guests, and of course, to you.

]]>Declan DineenThis is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each episode, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounTo celebrate the tenth anniversary of Gamecity I recorded a special edition of the show live from the festival. This is different to the usual show where I have one guest and talk about the games that shaped them. In this episode, the checkpoint is a single year, and my panel of guests talk about their life and the games they played at that exact point. Since this was the tenth anniversary of Gamecity, we decided on the year 2005. Myself, creator of Killbox Malath Abbas, host of One Life Left and creator of Chime Ste Curran, and the founder of Gamecity, Iain Simons, ruminate on the impact of that year. This show was recorded live from the National Videogame Arcade at Gamecity on the 29th of October. I was thrilled to do this, I hope you enjoy the show. Josh who was running the desk at the event did an incredible job with the recording, so huge thanks to him, to everyone at Gamecity, to my brilliant guests, and of course, to you.no00:49:17declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/m71k7at3lpebrq76bdl3b19enqxgtfhttp://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/564cca30e4b0c21cdbec86dd/1447873072147/Checkpoints+22+-+Live+from+Gamecity.mp3Episode 21 - Richard Lemarchanddeclan.dineen@gmail.com (Declan Dineen)Tue, 03 Nov 2015 17:44:12 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Checkpoints-DeclanDineen/~3/FDdY913k2mE/x89twnlojbctbj01q7qtgsjbc409j950200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21:54b3fa84e4b01fb03bf57df6:5638db06e4b0a54284d28fe0Today's guest is Richard Lemarchand. A game designer with an enviable CV
including Jak X, Soul Reaver and the Uncharted series, Richard is now an
associate professor at the University of Southern California where he
lectures on the videogame programme. We talk about that transition from AAA
development to teaching, how his mum was responsible for getting him his
start, the similarities between magic and design, and how sometimes being
bad at games can help you be a better designer.

This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each week, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed wounds. Checkpoints!

Today's guest is Richard Lemarchand. A game designer with an enviable CV including Jak X, Soul Reaver and the Uncharted series, Richard is now an associate professor at the University of Southern California where he lectures on the videogame programme. We talk about that transition from AAA development to teaching, how his mum was responsible for getting him his start, the similarities between magic and design, and how sometimes being bad at games can help you be a better designer.

Along the way we cover Sonic the Hedgehog, F15 Strike Eagle, Electroplankton, Hurt Me Plenty, Syndicate and Portal. This is a triumph.

]]>Declan Dineen This is a show about videogames, the people who play them and the people who make them. Each week, a guest on the show talks about the games that have shaped their life in one way or another. Games that have inspired them, games that forged connections with others and games that have soothed woundToday's guest is Richard Lemarchand. A game designer with an enviable CV including Jak X, Soul Reaver and the Uncharted series, Richard is now an associate professor at the University of Southern California where he lectures on the videogame programme. We talk about that transition from AAA development to teaching, how his mum was responsible for getting him his start, the similarities between magic and design, and how sometimes being bad at games can help you be a better designer. Along the way we cover Sonic the Hedgehog, F15 Strike Eagle, Electroplankton, Hurt Me Plenty, Syndicate and Portal. This is a triumph. no01:50:01declan,dineen,checkpoints,videogames,chat,interview,designer,sega,nintendo,playstation,microsoft,games,computer,games,consoles,gameboy,history,storyhttp://declandineen.com/checkpoints/x89twnlojbctbj01q7qtgsjbc409j9http://static1.squarespace.com/static/50200170c4aa78dab1b9ec21/t/5638f1f1e4b0fe5fd3a2161d/1446572529522/richard+lemarchand.mp3Declan DineennonadultThis is a show about videogames. The people who make them and the people who play them.